Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Manchester United’s chances of completing the dream signing of Lewis Hall appear to be on the decline, so here are three alternatives to be Luke Shaw’s understudy.
Left-back continues to be a problem position for Manchester United this summer, with plenty of uncertainty over the position behind Luke Shaw ahead of the new season.
United look unlikely to sign Lewis Hall despite the interest from both sides and United’s willingness to pay £60m, barring a potential world record full-back deal which could yet come to fruition.
So in the event that Hall really is unattainable this summer, United need to rethink, and here are three possible alternative options to be second string to Shaw instead.
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Harry Amass
The first and most obvious Hall alternative is for Harry Amass to continue to be backed and given a serious opportunity in the first-team to rotate with Shaw.
Amass being Shaw’s successor long-term feels like it is part of a long-term plan, and based on his pre-season performances there is a strong argument to say he is ready to take on the mantle of number two.
This summer sees Amass developed physically, which was the one big question mark around his game. From his devastatingly good loan at Sheffield Wednesday, to his pre-season under Erik ten Hag, senior appearances under Ruben Amorim and now pre-season with Carrick, Amass has given the club a convincing case to suggest he is ready right now.
Amass has all the qualities Hall has, only with the added benefit of being able to take the ball down the line, beat opponents and put crosses into the box.
If Hall isn’t signed, Amass needs to be kept and prioritised and therefore he would be our first alternative as an alternative.
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Antonee Robinson
Alex Crook has reported that United’s alternative to Hall is Antonee Robinson, and for the right price this is potentially a good move.
United have been linked to Robinson before, under Ruben Amorim as a possible option for that diabolical left wing-back option in his unsuccessful system.
But outside of this, Robinson is among the finest left-backs in the league despite his poor 2025/26 campaign which came as he turned 28.
United could do worse than signing Robinson as a stop gap left-back option on a shorter term deal, potentially allowing Amass to go on loan and become even more polished for the following season.
If Robinson was going for less than £30m, it could be a no brainer even if Amass is kept, with Shaw unlikely to have his same unscathed injury record next season.
Samuel Dahl
The final option on the list to be an alternative to Hall should be Swedish talent Samuel Dahl, who is fresh off a breakout campaign for Benfica last season at left-back.
Interest in the Swede is there, with United scouting Dahl more than ten times during the 2025/26 season. The club have been impressed with his physicality and versatility, making him a viable option.
Dahl is a brilliant offensive full-back, capable when dribbling or passing, boasting strong chance creation figures, while also being a competent defender.
While not a starter-level signing, Dahl would likely represent low risk, high reward for Ineos as the reserve to Shaw if Amass does not stay this season.
He is a big talent, but the signing does have a very underwhelming feel about it. Dahl is seen as a similar style of player to Hall, which is another check in the column for his arrival.