Wes Brown urges Man Utd to regret missing £75m Lewis Hall as Bradbury joins Stoke

Manchester United ended the summer transfer window without signing a left-back, and club legend Wes Brown believes that is a significant oversight — particularly given Luke Shaw’s injury history and the demands of a Champions League campaign.

United held an interest in Newcastle’s Lewis Hall throughout the window but could not agree a deal, with Newcastle reportedly valuing the 21-year-old England international at £75 million. Hall ultimately remained at St. James’ Park, leaving Michael Carrick’s squad thin at left-back, with only Shaw and teenage prospect Harry Amass as recognised options in that position.

“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. 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 Premier League games last season, but his fitness has been a recurring concern throughout his career. Carrick has opted to deploy Patrick Dorgu further forward rather than use him as a conventional left-back cover, which leaves the department stretched across a congested fixture schedule.

Hall was not the only left-back linked with Old Trafford during the window. Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly and Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde were also mentioned as targets, but none of those pursuits resulted in a signing.

Elsewhere, United have confirmed the departure of academy striker Louie Bradbury, who has completed a permanent move to Stoke City. The 17-year-old has signed a two-year contract at the Championship club, with an option to extend. Bradbury becomes one of several young players to leave United’s academy on a permanent basis this summer.

Carrick’s side, who signed three midfielders before the window closed, turn their attention to Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Everton. New arrival Carlos Baleba will not be available for selection as he continues his recovery from injury.