Man Utd gets the go-ahead to sign England star who could change their team completely
Manchester United are gearing up to boost their search for a new left-back now that they’ve secured a spot back in the Champions League. The team finished third in the Premier League under interim coach Michael Carrick, who was made permanent boss just last week.
After two seasons away from Europe’s biggest club competition, the Red Devils will return next season with Carrick leading the way—and they’re hoping to have a stronger squad to go with him. One area they really want to strengthen is left-back.
Luke Shaw was the only United player to start every Premier League game in 2025-26 and played more minutes than anyone else on the team. But at 30 years old and with a history of injuries, Shaw probably won’t be able to handle an even bigger schedule next season, which could include around 48 matches. So, the club is looking to bring in more options to cover that position.
Their main target seems to be Newcastle United’s left-back, Lewis Hall. The 21-year-old has grown into one of England’s most promising young defenders while playing at St James’ Park. However, his future there feels less certain now than it did a few months ago.
Caught Offside reports that United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, is a big fan of Hall and is pushing the club to seriously consider signing him. The left-back spot has needed some solid attention for a while—Shaw has had injury problems, Tyrell Malacia is leaving, and Patrick Dorgu often plays further up the field rather than sticking to a traditional left-back role.
Hall, who used to be a Chelsea youth player, started 24 Premier League games for Newcastle last season. After two years with the Magpies, lots of clubs are interested in him. He still has three years left on his contract there.
Interestingly, even though both Shaw and Hall have played for England and are available, England’s manager Thomas Tuchel didn’t pick either of them for the World Cup squad. The only pure left-back in England’s team is Manchester City’s 21-year-old Nico O’Reilly. Tottenham’s right-back Djed Spence might fill in if needed during the tournament in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico this summer. Hall has made four appearances for England but only two since Tuchel took over.