Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown has called on his former club to prioritise signing a left wing-back in the upcoming January transfer window.

Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Brown expressed concern over the performance levels of midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who he believes has not lived up to expectations this season under manager Rúben Amorim.

“Manuel Ugarte hasn’t played as well this season as you would’ve thought,” Brown said, before adding, “I am probably going to have to go with… a left wing-back. I’m not sure if Luke Shaw can do it.”

With the January window approaching, Manchester United are expected to be active in the market as they look to strengthen the squad for the second half of the campaign. The club made major moves during the summer, bringing in players like Benjamin Šeško and Bryan Mbeumo, but Brown believes defensive reinforcement on the left flank should now be a priority.

United’s current options at left-back have been hampered by injuries and inconsistency, and Brown’s comments echo the broader concerns of supporters who feel the squad lacks balance and depth in wide defensive positions.

Opinion: Brown Has a Point — United Need Stability on the Left

Wes Brown’s assessment may sound blunt, but it’s hard to ignore the truth in it. For all of Manchester United’s attacking promise, the left side of their defence continues to feel like a revolving door — players in, players out, and no long-term solution in sight.

Luke Shaw, when fully fit, remains one of the best left-backs in the Premier League, but the keyword is when. His fitness issues have been a recurring problem for several seasons, and relying on him as the primary option has become increasingly risky.

A competent, athletic, and modern left wing-back could transform the team’s structure, especially under Amorim’s system that prioritises width, energy, and overlapping runs. It would also allow Shaw to be managed more carefully and perhaps even used in a more flexible role, as seen under previous managers.

As for Manuel Ugarte, Brown’s comments reflect a wider sentiment: he’s a talented midfielder, but his adaptation has been slower than expected. That isn't unusual for a player coming into a demanding environment like United’s, but it highlights the need for competition and depth.

If United want to make a real push in the second half of the season — whether in the league or Europe — addressing the left flank might be more important than chasing marquee attacking names.

January windows are tricky, but the Red Devils can’t afford hesitation. Sometimes, the simplest fixes make the biggest impact.