Manchester United still need a new left-back – and the hunt has become far more acute after Newcastle United made it crystal clear that Lewis Hall is not for sale.
Hall was at the top of the Red Devils’ wish list when they wanted to give Luke Shaw real competition. But the Magpies have put their foot down, and it’s a big blow for Michael Carrick, who enters his first full season as manager with only two new signings in place.
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The plan was a hectic transfer window. They started strong with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans – but since July 14, it has been completely quiet at Old Trafford. Supporters are frustrated, and the 4-2 defeat to AC Milan in the friendly clearly showed that Carrick needs reinforcements.
Tromsø picked up El Hadji Malick Diouf who was then an academy player for 50,000 euros in the winter of 2023, almost exactly a year later the Eliteserien club completed a sale to Slavia Prague for 5.64 million euros. – The increase in value does not stop there, last summer West Ham bought him for 22 million euros. – Now the sum seems to double yet again.
Manchester United should hijack the El Hadji Malick Diouf deal
Although the Hall dream now seems to be over, there are alternatives. The solution could be El Hadji Malick Diouf – West Ham’s Senegalese full-back who impressed greatly despite the club’s relegation last season.
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According to GIVEMESPORT senior Ben Jacobs, Brentford have resumed their pursuit of Diouf. The problem is that there is a “gap in valuation” – and that opens the door for other clubs to hijack the deal ahead of the Bees.
United should throw themselves into the game. Diouf is a modern left-back with speed, strength and an insane left-footed shot. He is only 21 years old, and could be the long-term replacement for Shaw that the club desperately needs.
Diouf facts | Premier League 2025/26
| Matches | 32 |
| Starter | 30 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Tackles | 43 |
| Interceptions | 32 |
| Clearances | 119 |
| Yellow cards | 6 |
| Red cards | 0 |
West Ham supporter and presenter Jamie Boyce was in no doubt when he saw Diouf in action:
“El Hadji Malick Diouf is special. Having seen him in just five or six games for West Ham, I sincerely believe that he is one of the best players to ever wear the shirt.
The price tag? Around £40 million, according to TEAMtalk. That is far cheaper than Hall, which would probably cost at least NOK 60-70 million. If INEOS is wise, they will wait and see what Brentford are willing to offer and join the queue.
United need three signings – not two
Carrick cannot start his permanent spell – and the season of Champions League return – with only two new players. It was widely reported that United would be one of the busiest clubs of the summer, but the lack of activity raises concerns with only one week left until the opening game against Hull City.
A left-back is the priority, but a third midfielder is also needed. Mason Mount’s repeated injury problems mean Santos and Tielemans are not enough – a powerful defensive midfielder should have been brought in to replace Casemiro.
In addition, there are problems in attack. Benjamin Šeško starts the season injured, and Joshua Zirkzee has not convinced – he is already linked with a return to Serie A.
If INEOS can provide a left-back, a defensive midfielder and a striker, the mood will change completely. But time is running out.
