Manchester United had been full of optimism ahead of another new campaign. This time, there was no Ruben Amorim to spoil the party. Instead, many tipped Michael Carrick to pick up where he left off in his interim spell up against newly-promoted Hull City.
By the time that half-time arrived, however, the Red Devils had been mauled by the Tigers and have been left to lick their wounds ever since. Any optimism that had threatened to turn into true ambition has now suffered the most frustrating deflation.
However, as much as defeat at Hull was a nightmare start for United, it may have just sent INEOS a timely reminder that there’s still work to do in the transfer market.
|
Man Utd’s remaining transfer targets |
Position |
Rumour rating |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Carlos Baleba |
Central midfield |
A powerful, progressive midfielder who could add athleticism and quality to United’s midfield. |
10/10 – deal agreed |
|
Lewis Hall |
Left-back |
A potential option as United look to strengthen on the left side of defence. |
7/10 – player wants move |
|
Myles Lewis-Skelly |
Left-back / Midfield |
Offers versatility, technical quality and long-term potential. |
5/10 – Arsenal want to keep defender |
|
Alejandro Balde |
Left-back |
An attacking option who could provide greater pace and width from left-back. |
5/10 – Man Utd prioritising other targets |
On that front, it looks as though those at Old Trafford are set to spend big in the final week of the window. Brighton’s Carlos Baleba is reportedly set to seal a move worth as much as £70m as United complete their midfield rebuild, whilst Lewis Hall is once again someone to watch.
United have been on the hunt for a left-back for most of the summer. INEOS have been trying to hand Carrick a long-term replacement for Luke Shaw and Hall has very much been their top target.
Newcastle United are no strangers to losing top talent, either. The Magpies have lost Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimares and Anthony Gordon this summer alone, and could see Hall join his former teammates out the exit door.
Man Utd readying Lewis Hall offer
As reported by TeamTalk, Man United are now readying an offer to sign Hall from Newcastle and test the Magpies’ resolve. The left-back, himself, has been keen on a move to Old Trafford for the majority of the summer, but those at St James’ Park still want to keep hold of their defensive star.
Having already lost so many key players, Newcastle are reportedly set to demand a record fee for a left-back if Man United come knocking. That means the Red Devils will have to pay more than £68m – the fee Bayern Munich paid Real Madrid for Lucas Hernandez in July 2019 – to secure Hall’s signature.
An offer is expected to arrive before the end of the window, but it is claimed that it’s unlikely to be in the region of the £70m required despite him being a top target. That should hand Newcastle an easy answer, though history suggests that they’re not always in the driving seat when attempting to keep hold of players.
Dubbed “outstanding” by former manager Eddie Howe, Hall would undoubtedly solve Man United’s left-back problem for years to come. Even at a premium price, he’d be worth every penny.
