Manchester United are looking to sign a left-back this summer, and the club's hierarchy have seemingly compiled a four-man shortlist of potential options for this position.
The Red Devils have thus far focused on rebuilding their midfield in this window, after Casemiro left at the end of the campaign and Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious knee injury at the World Cup. Youri Tielemans has been acquired from Aston Villa in a £35million deal, while United have also landed Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £50million.
More work needs to be done, particularly in the full-back positions. While a right-back could be on the agenda, a left-back is the priority, with Patrick Dorgu being predominantly used as a winger by Michael Carrick and the injury-prone Luke Shaw entering the latter stages of his career.
With that said, here are four targets the north-west club have reportedly identified to fill this role in their squad.
Lewis Hall
Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall during a pre-match warm-up
Club: Newcastle United
Age: 21
It's widely understood that Lewis Hall is United's dream target for this position. Reputable journalist Laurie Whitehall has reported multiple times that Hall is hugely admired at Old Trafford, and it's a deal they'd love to get done.
However, with Newcastle suffering something of a mass exodus of star players this summer, it remains to be seen whether they'd sanction this departure. Sandro Tonali has already left for Tottenham in a £100million deal, Anthony Gordon joined Barcelona earlier this summer, and Arsenal are aggressively pursuing club captain Bruno Guimaraes.
If the Gunners secure the Brazilian's signature, Eddie Howe will arguably have lost his three best players in one window. If they were to lose Hall as well, all of a sudden the Magpies would be dealing with a decimated squad.
Thus, it's plausible that the fee will become too substantial for United to make a serious move for Hall this summer. Regardless, they remain interested in the 21-year-old, who would undoubtedly be an excellent long-term replacement for Shaw.
Antonee Robinson
antonee robinson fulham
Club: Fulham
Age: 28
Antonee Robinson has emerged as a surprise target for United, with the Guardian reporting that the Red Devils are considering the American full-back.
The Fulham defender has established himself as a dependable Premier League left-back, performing excellently at Craven Cottage for a number of years. However, after a move to Liverpool failed to materialise last summer, it seemed as though his chance of securing a move to a top club had passed.
That said, United could offer the United States international a lifeline in this sense. Marco Silva often favoured Ryan Sessegnon at left-back last season, and while it remains to be seen whether Alvaro Arbeloa echoes these sentiments, this could prompt the Cottagers to cash in whilst they still can.
Robinson is on the older side, so wouldn't be a long-term Shaw successor, but he could plug the gap for a handful of years, before someone like Hall becomes available.
Alejandro Balde
Alejandro Balde in action for Barcelona
Club: Barcelona
Age: 22
Barcelona's Alejandro Balde has emerged as a genuine alternative to Hall for United. TEAMtalk report that there are doubts around the 22-year-old's future at the Nou Camp, with the player entering the final two years of his contract, and there have been no indications that a new deal is being negotiated.
When Balde broke into the Barcelona first team, there was a belief that he'd hold down the left-hand side of the Catalan defence for years to come. However, some injury issues have curtailed his development, and he could now be ready for a fresh challenge.
That said, the Spaniard was still Hansi Flick's first-choice left-back last season, so his departure would probably need the German's approval.
Stylistically, Balde would be able to replace the overlapping and offensive qualities that Shaw has consistently delivered throughout his time at Old Trafford.
Givairo Read
Michael Carrick Manchester United manager (2026)via Reuters
Club: Feyenoord
Age: 20
Givairo Read is one of the hottest young left-backs in Europe at the moment, having enjoyed two impressive breakout seasons at Feyenoord now. While Liverpool have been the club most heavily linked with the Dutchman, United have also been mentioned in the conversations around Read.
Similarly to Balde and Hall, the 20-year-old is outstanding as an outlet, able to receive passes high up the pitch and then influence proceedings in the final third. This attribute will be essential for any potential incoming left-back if Carrick plans to keep using Matheus Cunha on the left wing. Cunha thrives in the half spaces, meaning he needs someone to provide the width on the outside of him.
Given he'd be coming from the Eredivisie, United may be able to land Read for a reasonable price — certainly significantly below the likes of Hall and Balde.
Djed Spence
England's Djed Spence
England's Djed Spence
Club: Tottenham Hotspur
Age: 25
Along the Robinson lines, United could opt for an experienced Premier League defender, rather than a younger player who can grow alongside Carrick's evolving project. Football Insider report that the Red Devils are lining up a surprise move for Djed Spence, who would fall into this category.
It remains to be seen whether Tottenham would sanction a move for the World Cup star, although given Pedro Porro's excellent form at the tournament, as well as the presence of Destiny Udogie and Andy Robertson in Roberto De Zerbi's squad, there is no clear role for him in North London. United, on the other hand, can assure him of regular minutes.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
While he might not provide the attacking quality Shaw does on the left, he's an outstanding defensive alternative to the 31-year-old, while his versatility also means he can cover the right-hand side. As aforementioned, United could still pursue a right-back this summer, but they could simply choose to kill two birds with one stone by signing Spence instead.
It makes sense for all parties.
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