Manchester United’s summer shopping list is long and getting longer. And right now, left-back Lewis Hall is stuck in the cart while the club tries to figure out the checkout line.
According to Sky Sports, INEOS has prioritized signing midfielders before moving on the Newcastle defender. That means the 21-year-old Hall, who has reportedly been unhappy under Eddie Howe and open to a move to a Champions League club, will have to wait. The Magpies have already lost Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this window. They are not eager to let Hall walk either, which is why they slapped a massive price tag on him.
Here’s the problem for United. Luke Shaw started every Premier League game last season, which sounds great until you remember his injury history. Shaw is 30 now, and the minutes keep piling up. With Tyrell Malacia gone at the end of his contract and both Harry Amass and Diego Leon likely heading out on loan after preseason, the depth chart at left-back is basically a cliff.
Patrick Dorgu can fill in there, but he’s way more dangerous going forward. Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot are both better on the right. So it’s not ideal.
The Myles Lewis-Skelly situation
United had also looked at Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly. The young defender wants more playing time, and it seemed like a real possibility. But Mikel Arteta has apparently changed his mind about letting him go. That door looks closed, at least for now.
Hall was the more realistic target. He’s Premier League proven, young enough to eventually replace Shaw, and reportedly wants out of Newcastle. But INEOS is taking a one-deal-at-a-time approach to this window, and they’re currently laser-focused on midfield.
Fans are already frustrated. United have missed on several top targets this summer, and the slow, methodical approach could cost them in other positions. It’s not just a left-back and a midfielder they need. The club is also looking for a left winger, a backup goalkeeper, and another striker. That’s five or six players in a window that moves fast.
Time is ticking. Other clubs are moving. And while INEOS works through their midfield priorities, Hall’s situation might not stay open forever. Newcastle doesn’t want to sell, and if United drags their feet too long, the asking price could go up or Hall could change his mind.
For now, the left-back spot remains a question mark. And Shaw’s legs aren’t getting any younger.
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