With Lewis Hall potentially out of reach, Manchester United may pivot to Neco Williams as Michael Carrick seeks versatile defensive depth for a demanding multi-competition campaign.
Michael Carrick will have a larger say in Man Utd transfers
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Manchester United are expected to remain busy in the transfer market before the summer window closes, with further additions still on the agenda. The club have already strengthened several areas of Michael Carrick's squad but is understood to be exploring more opportunities as they prepare for a demanding campaign.
United's business so far has seen Andrey Santos arrive from Chelsea, Karl Darlow join on a free transfer, Youri Tielemans complete a move from Aston Villa, and Tynan Thompson sign from Tottenham Hotspur. The arrivals reflect a blend of experience and youth, giving Carrick greater depth as he looks to build a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts.
Of those new signings, Santos is the only player to have featured for United in pre-season. The Brazilian has made an encouraging impression, delivering assured displays against Wrexham and Rosenborg while forming a promising midfield partnership with Mason Mount. Meanwhile, Darlow and Thompson have continued to settle into life at Carrington ahead of their first opportunities to feature.
Even with those additions, United are not believed to have finished their recruitment. Reports suggest the club remain in the market for a left-back, a left winger and potentially another centre-forward, with Carrick determined to have the strongest possible squad in place before the Premier League and Champions League campaigns get underway.
Last season, Luke Shaw put his best run of games together in his career, featuring in every single Premier League game after historic injury issues at Old Trafford. Playing one game a week, the 31-year-old will now need backup ahead of a much more congested fixture list next season.
Despite Michael Carrick seemingly pushing to make a move for Newcastle's Lewis Hall, the club could be priced out of a move, with Newcastle expected to drive a hard bargain after already losing several key players this summer.
As a result, United could pivot to more budget left-back options, with Nottingham Forest's Neco Williams emerging as a potential target. As reported by Football Insider, Man Utd scouts were impressed with his performances last season and could make a move for the 25-year-old.
Speaking to the outlet, former United chief scout Mick Brown said, "Neco Williams is somebody who Man United have been looking at.
"He's somebody they really admire, Michael Carrick is a big fan, and I must admit I agree because I've been very impressed by what I've seen from him at Nottingham Forest.
"He's got plenty of experience in the Premier League now, he's performed very well at the top level and in Europe too, and he can play on both sides of the defence.
"Those are a few boxes ticked as far as Man United are concerned, so it wouldn't surprise me if they made a move to sign him sooner rather than later.
"From the player's perspective, he could be offered the chance to step up into the Champions League with Man United, and that can be hard to turn down.
Nottingham Forest will certainly do anything they can to keep a key squad player like Williams, with the outlet reporting, "Nottingham Forest don't want to lose him, and we know they can be tough negotiators, but Man United could look to test that resolve and see what it might take.
"I hear he has been in talks over a new contract, but I think if he does sign a new deal, it will be towards the end of the window after he assesses his options. He won't rule anything out this early."
Michael Carrick is believed to be targeting reinforcements at both right and left-back, so perhaps that is why he is targeting profiles such as Williams, who has featured regularly on both flanks.
Despite having Noussair Mazraoui at the club already, who was brilliant at left-back for Morocco, United's targeting of Williams and, reportedly, Djed Spence could indicate that should the club not be able to land the marquee signing of Lewis Hall, or the more budget option of Antonee Robinson, then a versatile player would be the best option, as United's summer transfer business rolls on.