 However, the method by which United signed Brown was deemed to have been against Football Association regulations, and the club was fined £20,000.He turned professional in August 1997, but failed to break into the first team at Old Trafford.In March 1998 he joined Hull City on loan until the end of the season, making his league debut on 28 March 1998 in a 0–0 draw against Macclesfield Town at Boothferry Park.