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Ex-Old Trafford coach: Man United want PL player as 'long-term replacement for Luke Shaw'

Myles Lewis-Skelly in action for Arsenal, with Michael Carrick in a circular inset

(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Thu 26 March 2026 11:45, UK

Manchester United have joined a long list of clubs keeping a close eye on Myles Lewis-Skelly amid a growing feeling he could leave Arsenal.

The 19-year-old has fallen well down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta this season and has not been involved in any of the Gunners’ last ten Premier League games.

He looks set to miss out on going to the World Cup with England as a result, and is believed to be frustrated and considering his future at the Emirates.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Michael Carrick’s side will keep tabs on Lewis-Skelly as they aim to bolster at left-back.

However, there are doubts about whether the teenager is the right fit for their ambitious project at Old Trafford, as Man United prepare for a busy transfer window.

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Man United join race to sign Myles Lewis-Skelly

Brown told Football Insider on 12 March that Everton are keeping tabs on Lewis-Skelly, as are a number of other Premier League clubs as a result of his undoubted quality.

However, questions have been asked of his lack of involvement at Arsenal given his outstanding displays last season which established him as a key player.

Myles Lewis-Skelly Premier League Stats 2024-25 2025-26

Appearances 23 14

Starts 15 1

Minutes Played 1371 312

Yellow Cards 3 3

Red Cards 2 0

Myles Lewis-Skelly’s Premier League stats in 2024-25 and 2025-26. (via Transfermarkt)

United are set to assess his situation both in terms of his availability and the reasons for his exclusion behind the scenes before deciding whether to move.

“Man United are looking for a new left-back,” Brown told Football Insider.

“Whether it’s as a long-term replacement for Luke Shaw or somebody to compete with him for that left-back spot, there are a few names on their radar.

“Myles Lewis-Skelly is somebody they will be looking at if he does become available, because he’s a young England international with obvious quality.

“But there are a few question marks over him at the moment which need to be figured out.

“Whether it’s a discipline issue, an attitude issue, doubts about his character or whatever it may be, I don’t know, but there’s a reason he’s being left out at Arsenal.

“You can make the case for them having two better players in that position, but the way he came into the side last season and was so highly regarded, it’s strange.

“Man United and any other interested clubs will have to find out why that is, speak to contacts and things like that, before they make a move.

“They have their doubts and that’s why I wouldn’t expect them to make a move, but those doubts can go away and he’s certainly somebody they admire.

“So like a few others, they’ll be keeping an eye on him and his situation.”

How does Lewis-Skelly feel about leaving Arsenal?

Amid the growing interest in his signature, the left-back will make the final decision about whether he will leave the Emirates either on loan or permanently.

Football Insider revealed earlier this month that Lewis-Skelly is frustrated at Arsenal and had hoped to receive more playing time than he has been given.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta

Credit: Imago

Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori are both ahead of the England international, with game time proving hard to come by, and he is no longer happy playing backup.

This has led to suggestions he could push to leave the club should sufficient interest emerge, with both short and long-term departures still on the cards.

A loan exit is considered the most likely course for the left-back this summer, with all parties now open to his departure, but a permanent move cannot be ruled out.

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