Manchester United boss Michael Carrick knows the squad at his disposal after the summer transfer window came to a close
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is preparing his side for a return to Premier League action(Image: George Wood, Getty Images)
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Manchester United can turn their full attention to Premier League matters this weekend following the end of the summer transfer window. Michael Carrick's side are gearing up to face Everton as the club aim to claim consecutive league victories on Sunday.
The Reds have brought in three midfielders but Carlos Baleba will be unable to make his bow against the Toffees while he continues his recovery from injury. The United manager still has numerous options in midfield, but the same does not apply to left-back.
The club had shown interest in Newcastle's Lewis Hall this summer but no deal materialised. It leaves Luke Shaw without recognised competition, with Carrick opting to deploy Patrick Dorgu in a more advanced role, in a season where United are competing across multiple competitions.
Elsewhere, one of United's academy talents has sealed a permanent departure from the club. MEN Sport examines some of the key stories surrounding Carrick's squad.
Michael Carrick missed out on 'real deal' signing
United legend Wes Brown has claimed the club made a mistake by failing to secure a high-profile deal for Hall. The 21-year-old was among several left-backs linked with a switch to Old Trafford, along with Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly and Barcelona ace Alejandro Balde.
Newcastle reportedly placed a £75million price tag on Hall, who ultimately remained at St. James' Park. However, former United star Brown believes the club missed an opportunity by failing to recruit the England international.
"You can see Lewis Hall is the real deal," Brown told Oddschecker. "He's young and he's definitely a player you could bring into United who would fit in really well.
Lewis Hall of Newcastle United
Manchester United were interested in Newcastle full-back Lewis Hall(Image: Clive Mason/Getty Images)
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"So, I would have definitely paid the fee for him. He would be a great fit. Luke is still a tremendous player but there's always that question mark over his injury record."
Shaw featured in all 38 of United's league fixtures last season but has experienced injury problems in the past. The club's return to Champions League football will place additional demands on the 31-year-old, with youngster Harry Amass being the only alternative left-back option in the squad.
Man United striker seals transfer
United academy striker Louie Bradbury has completed a permanent switch to Stoke City. The 17-year-old has put pen to paper on a two-year deal, with the option of a further year's extension, and will join Stoke's youth academy.
Wales U19 international Bradbury turned out for United's U18s and U21s last season, netting 10 goals in 24 appearances. He also got on the scoresheet in the U18 side's 3-0 victory over Everton last month.
In a club statement confirming the transfer, Stoke's academy director Jack Higgins said: "We are delighted to bring Louie to the club, adding to the crop of exciting strikers we have within the U18s and U21s. Louie joins us at a good age to continue his development and thrive in our environment after some brilliant experiences with Manchester United during the past few years."