COMMENT: The Red Devils have a market opportunity they can't pass up.
Manchester United Training Session
Michael Carrick is still looking to build Man Utd's squad for the new season (Image: Getty)
Manchester United might have just had the perfect transfer opportunity fall into their lap after being denied a shot at Lewis Hall. The Red Devils have been keeping tabs on the Newcastle United full-back, who they identified as the perfect replacement for Luke Shaw.
However, United’s transfer plans hit a roadblock when they were informed by Newcastle that Hall isn’t for sale because of the disruption they’ve experienced this summer already. Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and manager Eddie Howe have all left in the off-season.
As such, United were told the only way they’d be able to secure Hall’s services this summer would be by paying over the odds and making Newcastle an offer they can’t refuse. Given Michael Carrick still has other transfers on his wishlist, the English left-back is probably out of their reach.
It looked as if they might have to suck it up and head into the new season with their current options, but news that Arsenal have offered United Myles Lewis-Skelly could prove exactly what they need. The Gunners, having recently signed Guimaraes, are reportedly open to offloading Lewis-Skelly, with United known to have long-term interest.
The versatile youngster can play at left-back, as well as in midfield, and fits the ethos that INEOS promised upon their arrival at Old Trafford. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co. committed themselves to signing the best young English talent available, with Lewis-Skelly among the brightest talents in the country.
Arsenal FC v Borussia Dortmund - Pre-Season Friendly
Myles Lewis-Skelly is being tipped to join Man Utd (Image: Getty)
Lewis-Skelly, who will turn 20 in September, has already amassed plenty of experience, and even started in midfield during Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The London-born star is ready to take his game to the next level, but with Guimaraes’ arrival, it doesn’t look as if he’ll get the requisite game time to develop properly.
It’s the sort of market opportunity that United shouldn’t be passing up on. Arsenal have understandably prioritised short-term gain with the Guimaraes move, but it could come at the expense of waving goodbye to one of their best academy products in years.
United have a proud history of developing young English talent, and while Lewis-Skelly might not have come through their own ranks, that doesn’t mean to say they can’t be best-placed to benefit.