Manchester United should have a clear head start in the hunt for a Premier League full-back this summer. Michael Carrick has been busy in recent weeks, but now the spotlight is on the left-back – a position that needs reinforcement.
Carrick rebuilds the team
Michael Carrick has been a busy man lately. He has already secured Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans in an attempt to revamp the midfield – a link that is now without Casemiro after the Brazilian left the club.
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One more midfielder will probably be brought in, but Carrick also knows that he needs to strengthen other areas. And one of the most pressing needs is the left-back position.
As of today, United only have two pure left-backs: Luke Shaw – who is very injury-prone – and youngster Diego León. With Champions League games in store in the autumn, they need to build width in the squad.
Manchester United with a lead in the battle for Lewis Hall
According to TeamTalk, Manchester United have a clear lead in the hunt for Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall. It is claimed that Chelsea are also interested in bringing back the full-back, but Hall is said to prefer a move to Old Trafford if he leaves St. James’ Park first.
However, Hall is not guaranteed to leave Newcastle. The Magpies are in a better financial situation after they sold Sandro Tonali for a deal worth up to £100 million. Newcastle had a disappointing season and missed out on European games – and they hope to come back strong next season. Selling profiles like Hall and Tonali is unlikely to help that ambition, so they may end up playing the price.
The price tag can be a problem
There have been reports of a price tag of £80 million – which is likely to be too expensive for United, given other squad needs. The club also wants a midfielder and a winger in addition to left-back. Spending £80m on a full-back could limit the other transfers, and United will therefore likely have to negotiate the price down to reach a deal.
Howe praises Hall
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is very excited about his young full-back. Last year, he called Hall a “big part” of his team, and the year before he stated:
“I think he has played very well this season. He’s been exceptionally consistent and has been a bright spot for us – the same Lewis Hall whether it’s at home or away. For such a young player, it is not easy.
“I think his technical delivery this year has been outstanding – in all phases. The last pass could be better, but with two assists at the weekend, it was very pleasing.
“Defensively, he has been quite good, but here too there is room for improvement. At least he is moving in the right direction. For such a young player, the handling of himself – and his maturity both on and off the pitch – has been at a very high level.
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