Manchester United need to make a bold statement by raiding one of their biggest rivals
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick can strengthen two positions with one signing(Image: Getty Images)
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Manchester United will miss a transfer open goal if they fail to take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding Myles Lewis-Skelly's future.
It's a mystery why Arsenal are open to selling one of their brightest young prospects, who showed his class in Sunday's Community Shield victory over Manchester City. The only rationale can be the positive impact his sale would make on the SCR (formerly PSR) balance sheets.
As a homegrown player, his sale would go down as pure profit. A rule that encourages clubs to flog youngsters they have developed is ludicrous, as is Arsenal's seeming willingness to let him go. But that's not United's problem.
Following a bright start to the window, with the acquisition of Youri Tielemans looking particularly astute, it's went rather quiet on the transfer front until Wednesday when it emerged that Brighton's Carlos Baleba was in advanced talks.
Arsenal have been so open about Lewis-Skelly's availability, they might as well have dropped him off on Deansgate and taped a 'for sale' sign to his head.
Mikel Arteta bizarrely said the speculation surrounding the 19-year-old was a "good sign." The Spaniard appined: If there is speculation about any of our players, it is a good sign. It means that we are attracting interest and we are doing a good job."
For someone who said he didn't want to comment on transfer speculation, that said plenty.
Arsenal star Myles Lewis-Skelly is still wanted by Manchester United
United have the opportunity to sign Myles Lewis-Skelly(Image: Alex Pantling - The FA via Getty Images))
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Meanwhile, Arsenal CEO Richard Garlick has told the BBC: "We’re not actively looking at selling those homegrown players [the other being Ethan Nwaneri] but if the right opportunity came up and it was right for them and right for the club, then we'd obviously consider that."
So Lewis-Skelly is available, potentially for as little as £45m. So what are United waiting for?
There has been uncertainty about his best position. A midfielder for Arsenal's age-group teams, he came into the senior side at left-back, where he also played for England after making his international debut in March 2025.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta welcomes back his players in Marbella for pre-season preparations
Arsenal appear ready to sell the youngster(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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That doesn't need to be a problem; in fact, it could really benefit United in a season where squad depth and versatility will be key, with Champions League now on the schedule.
Another option in midfield is still required, while at left-back, United need to move on from Luke Shaw at some point. An ageing defence could do with an injection of youth, full stop.
United have been given an open invitation to make a real statement of intent by plucking a star of the future from one of their biggest rivals. It's one they need to accept, or they could end up regretting it for years to come.