Manchester United could overhaul their defence by signing Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and Newcastle's Lewis Hall while offloading Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw, according to reports surrounding the club.
United's third-place finish last season under Michael Carrick raised hopes of a new era, but a poor run of results has left them in the bottom half of the Premier League and struggling in the Champions League. Head coach Carrick, appointed permanently in the summer, is under pressure after a disappointing start to the campaign.
Player unrest has surfaced publicly, with captain Bruno Fernandes appearing to criticise Carrick's tactics after the midweek Champions League defeat at Como, and Lisandro Martinez blasting senior figures for a lack of summer recruitment.
Defensive Weaknesses Exposed
United signed only three midfielders - Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos - in the summer, leaving other areas of the pitch weak. The left-back position was a known concern, yet the club entered the season with 31-year-old Luke Shaw as the starting option, which has backfired.
Director of football Jason Wilcox and Ineos are reportedly looking at ways to strengthen. Lewis Hall, a long-term target 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.
Planned Departures and Arrivals
Shaw could stay until the end of the season for squad depth, then be sold in the summer with a year left on his contract and his long-term injury problems. United should thank him for 12 years of service, the report suggests.
In central defence, Leny Yoro is showing signs of maturity despite a red card against Atletico Madrid, while Matthijs de Ligt is a solid back-up when fit. Harry Maguire, despite being 33 and often scapegoated, should not be sold, as he adds professionalism to a dressing room needing leaders. The club is set to trigger the extra year option in his deal.
United should instead sell Martinez, who was said to be considering leaving at the end of this season even before his comments. The 28-year-old favours a move to La Liga, with several Spanish clubs interested. United can trigger a one-year extension and command a fee.
Branthwaite as the Replacement
To replace Martinez, United are weighing up a fresh move for Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, having had two bids worth up to £50m rejected in 2024. The 24-year-old left-footed defender has plenty of Premier League experience and would slot into the new-look defence, with his form earning a call-up in the recent international break.
At right-back, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui do not set the world alight but are less of a liability than other positions. With two sales and two signings, Carrick could have a far better back line next season.
