Manchester United supporters have often had to sit back and watch rivals Manchester City and Liverpool claim all of the glory in the Premier League over recent years.
The Red Devils have now gone 13 long years without a league title – something which once seemed impossible under the guidance of the iconic Sir Alex Ferguson.
Michael Carrick will be hoping to end such a drought at Old Trafford in the near future, after he was appointed the club’s permanent manager after a successful interim stint.
However, if he is to make the Red Devils a force to be reckoned with once again, he may need a player who can fill two of the club’s problem positions with ease.
How Lewis-Skelly can solve United’s two biggest problem positions
Over recent days, United have been credited with a surprise move for Arsenal talent Myles Lewis-Skelly in an attempt to add further quality to Carrick’s senior ranks.
It was reported that the Red Devils have been exploring a move for the 19-year-old, who can operate in either left-back or central midfield positions.
Such versatility could be crucial for INEOS this summer, with the aforementioned areas undoubtedly where the first-team squad needs improving ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Luke Shaw is a player who has come under fire for his displays at Old Trafford, with the club lacking senior depth in such an area – which has seen Diogo Dalot often switch to an unfamiliar role.
|
Most PL mins played by Man Utd full-backs (2025/26) |
|
|---|---|
|
Player |
Tally |
|
Luke Shaw |
3231 |
|
Diogo Dalot |
2616 |
|
Patrick Dorgu |
1445 |
|
Noussair Mazraoui |
984 |
|
Tyrell Malacia |
15 |
|
Bendito Mantato |
15 |
As for the midfield department, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have already been signed – but the hierarchy are still in the market for a third new addition in that area.
Lewis-Skelly is more naturally suited to such a position, even starting in the Champions League final for Arsenal against PSG alongside Declan Rice back in May.
The youngster produced a display to be proud of despite the defeat, subsequently completing 80% of the passes he attempted, whilst making two tackles and winning three ground duels.
How United can land a bigger talent than Lewis-Skelly
Despite the recent efforts to prise the teenager away from the Gunners, United have a whole host of other targets lined up for the remaining month of the summer window.
Belgian star Mika Godts was mentioned as a target for the attacking department, with the Red Devils currently battling PSG for the signature of the Ajax prospect.
However, it’s clear other areas of the squad are of higher importance to Carrick at present, with Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall emerging as a key transfer target.
Journalist Alex Crook spoke on talkSPORT about the potential deal, stating: “It’s starting to gain momentum, from what I was told, Lewis Hall would be keen to make the move.
“He sees Manchester United as a step-up. Newcastle ideally wouldn’t want to sell, but if United would be prepared to pay in the region of £60m, then the owners would have a decision to make.”
Whilst such a fee seems like an expensive deal for the 21-year-old, it would allow the Red Devils to land a player who could star at Old Trafford for many years to come.
His stats from last campaign highlight his quality at both ends of the pitch, which has seen him develop into a talent who’s already a level above that of Lewis-Skelly.
Hall has gained a reputation for being a driving force down the left-hand side, subsequently creating 1.1 chances and completing 1.5 successful dribbles in the Premier League last term.
Both of the aforementioned figures are higher than those produced by the Arsenal youngster, whilst also placing him in the top 20% of all players in the division.
Despite his attacking nature, the Magpies star also dominated his compatriot without the ball, subsequently making more defensive contributions and more tackles per 90.
Like with his talent in possession, Hall ranked highly compared to other players in his position – as he made more defensive contributions than 75% of left-backs in England’s top-flight.
His tally of 5.5 ball recoveries per 90 – also putting him in the top 5% – further reaffirms his defensive dominance, which has led to the 21-year-old appearing as a key target for Carrick.
Like Lewis-Skelly, he’s already made a huge impact in the Premier League, even doing so after emulating the Gunners star in moving away from his more natural central midfield role.
£60m for the 21-year-old would be a phenomenal addition for United this summer as they look to strengthen the senior ranks and inflict another damaging transfer blow to Newcastle.
His versatility and quality at both ends of the pitch will no doubt make him a fan-favourite and one who can reach the next level in his development at Old Trafford.