Manchester United are going to be busy in the summer transfer window but they must be wary of a familiar trap
Lewis Hall is one of the players linked with a move to Manchester United
Lewis Hall is one of the players linked with a move to Manchester United(Image: Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Manchester United's summer transfer window is set to be busy as they prepare for life back in the Champions League. After the disastrous 2024/25 campaign, there was no need for United to have a bloated squad. Ruben Amorim cut his cloth accordingly and the Reds eventually made it work.
While it was not Amorim who led United to the Champions League, the squad he built did the job for Michael Carrick. However, there were a number of occasions when the Reds' lack of depth nearly cost them. Benches almost solely made up of academy players after a few injuries will have sparked alarm bells.
United survived in a season that, barring Carabao Cup second round and FA Cup third round matches, consisted entirely of Premier League games. But with a guaranteed eight extra fixtures next season courtesy of a return to the Champions League, the Reds need to bulk up their squad.
That is why a number of areas are being targeted by United this summer. One of those is left-back. The left side of the pitch arguably has the most question marks surrounding it. Carrick said during the campaign that a left winger would likely be on United's radar at the end of the season.
However, the emergence of Patrick Dorgu as a force in an advanced role gave United food for thought. An extra senior player is still needed on that left flank, particularly as Diego Leon remains a raw prospect and Luke Shaw will not be around forever.
This opens the door for Newcastle's Lewis Hall. Our colleagues at Chronicle Live reported this week that United hold an interest in Hall albeit it has not resulted in a concrete offer from the Reds.
While this is common practice during a transfer window, United have also been given a reason to be wary. The Chronicle adds Newcastle feel there is something of an ulterior motive behind the links between the Reds and Hall.
They claim these rumours could have been stoked to cause a rift between the under pressure Eddie Howe and the defender. Were that to be true or not, it is certainly a warning for United.
In recent years, this club has become no stranger to a long-running, and ultimately fruitless, transfer saga. Take the chase for Frenkie de Jong as an example.
Netherlands and Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong
Netherlands and Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong
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Erik ten Hag set his stall out early for the Barcelona midfielder who he had previously honed into an elite player at Ajax. The first impressions suggested Barca were open to selling De Jong and the Dutch international was keen to link up with Ten Hag again.
However, it became apparent during a painstakingly long period that De Jong had little intention of giving up his Camp Nou dream. Once United eventually scrapped the De Jong project, they were left scrambling for a replacement.
Eventually, this resulted in United spending £60m, plus £10m in add-ons, for Casemiro. While his first and last seasons at Old Trafford will be remembered fondly, the Brazil midfielder threatened to be an expensive flop as the frantic Premier League and European football schedule took its toll.
Casemiro left United this summer as a fan favourite but it is safe to say Ineos would not have agreed to the deal had they been in charge at the time. While not at the same level as De Jong, a move for Hall threatens to be a similarly wasted pursuit.
Were Newcastle to sell Sandro Tonali this summer, with Tottenham among the clubs interested, they would be able to dig their heels in to keep hold of Hall. While he may tick a lot of boxes for United - age, experience, quality being among them - he is not worth the Reds sacrificing other avenues to pursue him alone.
United must tread carefully and avoid Newcastle potentially stringing them along this summer.