--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-10-24T10:12:31.490Z last_updated: 2026-10-24T03:30:00+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/manchester-united/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWFuY2hlc3RlcmV2ZW5pbmduZXdzLmNvLnVrL3Nwb3J0L2Zvb3RiYWxsL2Zvb3RiYWxsLW5ld3MvbWFuLXVuaXRlZC10cmFuc2Zlci1sZXdpcy1oYWxsLTM0ODAxNzU0 --- # Man Utd's dream defence if Jarrad Branthwaite and Lewis Hall sign and duo depart - **Source:** - **Published:** 24 Oct - **Club:** Manchester United - **Original URL:** https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-united-transfer-lewis-hall-34801754 However, those hopes have been quickly extinguished just two months into the season. An extended run of poor results has left United in the bottom half of the table and struggling in the Champions League, with head coach Carrick now under immense pressure to turn their fortunes around despite having only been appointed permanently in the summer. Chaos and infighting appear rife, with players publicly pointing the finger at senior figures. Captain Bruno Fernandes appeared to call out Carrick's tactics following the midweek Champions League thrashing at Como, only a week after Lisandro Martinez blasted senior figures at the club for their lack of recruitment in the summer. Get the best United news, updates and analysis straight to your Inbox courtesy of the Manchester Evening News! To get it, it's a simple one-two punch. The idea of transforming one area of the pitch at a time, on this occasion the engine room, followed the previous summer’s strategy of bolstering the forward line. That has not worked, however, leaving other areas of the pitch notably weak and in need of urgent attention. United’s defence continues to be a liability, though they still have issues in attack too. Every Reds fan was aware at the start of the summer that the left-back position needed addressing. Instead, the club opted to enter this season with 31-year-old Luke Shaw as their starting left-back, which has backfired tremendously. If they are to move forward, United must dip into the market and prioritise an upgrade in that specific position. Reports surrounding United suggest director of football Jason Wilcox and Ineos are already looking at ways to do so. Long-term target Lewis Hall, who United tracked in recent months but were told by Newcastle was not for sale, remains a key target. The 22-year-old England international was reportedly interested in a move to Manchester and has not changed that stance. United should test Newcastle’s resolve again in the coming transfer window, given Hall would immediately bolster their left flank. Shaw, meanwhile, can remain at Old Trafford until the end of the season for squad depth. With a year left on his contract and his glaring long-term injury problems, the Englishman should be thanked for his 12 years of service and sold in the summer. Central defence also needs to be addressed by the club hierarchy. Leny Yoro, despite his harsh red card in the defeat against Atletico Madrid, is showing signs of maturity and is ready to step up and become an important defender for years to come. Matthijs de Ligt, when fit, is also a solid back-up. Harry Maguire, despite being 33 and often scapegoated for United's defensive problems, should not be sold either. The veteran centre-back is a popular figure and adds professionalism to a dressing room that desperately needs more leaders. He is likely to stay and help guide youngsters like Yoro and Ayden Heaven, with the club set to trigger the extra year option in his deal. Conversely, United should look to cut their losses and sell Martinez. Even before his controversial comments aimed at Wilcox and club bosses, the World Cup winner was said to be considering leaving at the end of this season. He was linked with a move to Atletico in the summer, with several Spanish clubs still interested. The 28-year-old favours a move to La Liga, and United are reportedly considering letting him leave. While his contract expires next year, United can trigger a one-year extension and then command a fee. They will obviously need to replace Martinez with a left-sided centre-half worthy of stepping into the starting XI. The Reds are said to be weighing up a fresh move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, having previously had two bids worth up to £50m rejected by the Toffees in 2024. Given he has plenty of Premier League experience, is still only 24 and is left-footed, Branthwaite would seamlessly slot into United's new-look defence and accelerate their much-needed overhaul. The England ace's form this season, which earned him a call-up in the recent international break, is further proof of his qualities. At right-back, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui do not set the world alight, but neither player is as much of a liability as the other positions mentioned. With just two sales and two signings made, Carrick can have a far better back line at his disposal next season.