Manchester United could solve their defensive issues in the January transfer window.
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite during the match between England and Czechia at Wembley Stadium on October 6, 2026
Jarrad Branthwaite has been linked with a move to Manchester United. (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United had hoped that last season's surprising third-place finish under Michael Carrick marked the beginning of a fresh chapter following 13 years of disappointment. Those aspirations have been swiftly dashed just two months into the season. A lengthy run of disappointing results has left United in the bottom half of the table and faltering in the Champions League, with Carrick now facing enormous pressure to reverse their fortunes despite only being appointed permanently in the summer.
Disorder and internal conflict is widespread, with players openly criticising senior personnel. Captain Bruno Fernandes questioned Carrick's approach following their midweek hammering at Como, just seven days after Lisandro Martinez blasted senior officials at the club for their recruitment during the summer.
While the Argentine defender's remarks did little to assist his floundering team, he was accurate in that United were left considerably weakened by a disappointing summer in the transfer market. At a moment when they needed to make a statement and build upon last season, they only acquired three midfielders - Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos.
The strategy of overhauling one section of the team at a time, on this occasion the engine room, mirrored the preceding summer's approach of strengthening the attacking line. That has proved unsuccessful, however, leaving other areas of the team vulnerable and in need of immediate attention.
Every supporter recognised at the start of the summer that the left-back role required attention.
Instead, the club chose to begin this season with 31-year-old Luke Shaw as their only senior specialist left-back, a decision which has proved disastrous. Should they wish to progress, United must enter the market and make an upgrade in that particular area a priority.
Director of football Jason Wilcox is reportedly exploring methods to achieve this. Long-standing target Lewis Hall, who United monitored in recent months but were informed by Newcastle was unavailable, remains a key target.
The 22-year-old England international was said to be keen on a switch to Manchester and has maintained that position. United should test Newcastle's resolve once more in the January transfer window, considering Hall would instantly strengthen their left side.
Shaw, for his part, can stay at Old Trafford until the end of the season for squad depth. With 12 months remaining on his deal and his repeated injury concerns, the Englishman should be acknowledged for his dozen years of service and sold in the summer.
Central defence also requires attention from the club's leadership. Leny Yoro, despite his unfortunate dismissal in the loss against Atletico Madrid, is displaying signs of development and is primed to emerge as a crucial defender for seasons ahead.
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Lewis Hall
Lewis Hall could join Jarrad Branthwaite at Manchester United. (Image: Getty Images)
Matthijs de Ligt, when available, also provides reliable cover. Harry Maguire, despite being 33 and frequently blamed for United's defensive shortcomings, should not be offloaded either.
The experienced centre-half remains a well-regarded figure and brings professionalism to a dressing room desperately requiring more leadership. He looks set to remain to mentor youngsters such as Yoro and Ayden Heaven, with the club poised to activate the additional-year clause in his contract.
By contrast, United should seek to minimise their losses and offload Martinez. Even prior to his contentious remarks directed at Wilcox and the club hierarchy, the World Cup winner was reportedly ready to leave the club.
He was linked with a move to Atletico during the summer, with various Spanish sides maintaining their interest. The 28-year-old prefers a transfer to La Liga, and United are understood to be mulling over allowing his exit.
While his contract runs out next year, United can activate a 12-month extension and subsequently demand a transfer fee.
They will naturally need to replace Martinez with a left-sided centre-half worthy of stepping into the starting XI. The Red Devils are believed to be considering a renewed approach for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, having previously seen two offers worth up to £50million rebuffed by the Toffees in 2024.
Given his extensive Premier League pedigree, youth at just 24, and left-footed profile, Branthwaite would fit seamlessly into United's revamped defence and expedite their desperately needed reconstruction. The England international's performances this campaign, which secured his selection during the latest international window, provide further evidence of his capabilities.
At right-back, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui may not be world-beaters, but neither represents as significant a weakness as the other positions highlighted. With just two departures and two arrivals completed, Carrick could have a considerably stronger defensive unit at his disposal next year.
United's dream defence from January: Dalot, Yoro, Branthwaite, Hall.
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