Everton host Michael Carrick's Manchester United side on Sunday, with the visitors looking to record back-to-back victories in the Premier League. Carlos Baleba is not expected to be available for selection this weekend as he works towards regaining full match fitness.

Since taking charge at Old Trafford, Carrick has overseen a squad overhaul, with the club's summer transfer budget directed predominantly towards strengthening the midfield. Questions over the depth of the squad have persisted among supporters, particularly with the club set to compete in the Champions League once more.

The left-back role had been identified as a priority for reinforcement before the window opened, though United allowed Tuesday's transfer deadline to pass without bringing in cover for that position.

Jamie Redknapp has argued that the club missed a transfer opportunity by not pursuing Mamadou Sangare during the summer window. The Mali international was among those reportedly considered for a move to Old Trafford as Carrick worked to reshape his midfield options.

The 24-year-old subsequently joined Brentford in a deal worth £39 million, a sum that represented a transfer record for the selling club, Lens. Sangare has settled into the Premier League with little difficulty, leading Redknapp to suggest the Brentford midfielder could carry a valuation exceeding one hundred million pounds, with the former top-flight player describing the transfer as among the most astute pieces of recent recruitment in the division. Redknapp added that Sangare's transfer value could reach £120m within the next few years.

The Sky Sports pundit said that, in his view, Sangare has the attributes to establish himself at Brentford and could represent the standout transfer acquisition of the current summer window. At a fee below £40m, Sangare represented a potentially more affordable option than Santos, signed for £50m, or Baleba, acquired for £70m. Santos has performed well enough to justify his transfer fee so far, while Baleba has yet to establish himself as a consistent presence in midfield.

Brentford's transfer activity has once again produced a promising addition, reflecting the club's consistent approach to player recruitment.

Separately, Newcastle United manager Matthias Jaissle has indicated to United that the club's position on Lewis Hall's future may need to be addressed. The left-back had been identified as United's top transfer priority before the club ultimately entered the window without recruiting for the role.

Jaissle has publicly expressed strong support for Hall ahead of any further transfer interest from United. At a press conference this week, Jaissle described Hall, valued at £75m, as a player already performing at a high level with considerable further development anticipated, and stated his intention for the defender to become a long-term presence at St James' Park. Newcastle expressed enthusiasm about Hall's involvement in the squad, with the club indicating its hopes for a continued association over the longer term. The club is anticipated to hold firm on departures, protecting its most influential squad members from outside approaches.

Hall's start to the campaign has shown promise, though a late penalty in the opening-weekend 2-2 draw against Liverpool saw points dropped. He followed that up with a strong showing in Newcastle's 2-0 win away at Tottenham the following week, and is expected to feature prominently under Jaissle during the current campaign.