Lewis Hall remains Manchester United's top left-back target

Manchester United’s search for a new left-back keeps circling back to one name. Lewis Hall remains the priority target, despite Arsenal putting highly rated teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly on the table.

United have been offered the chance to move for the versatile 19-year-old from north London, but interest at Old Trafford is still locked on Hall. The Newcastle defender, 21, has emerged as the preferred option and, crucially, as a willing one. He is understood to be keen on trading St James’ Park for Old Trafford.

It comes off the back of a chaotic summer on Tyneside. Newcastle have already lost manager Eddie Howe and star trio Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes. The club are digging in over Hall, yet the player’s stance and United’s need at left-back mean this saga is far from over.

Rooney joins United media push

Away from the pitch, Wayne Rooney is stepping back into the Manchester United spotlight in a very modern way. The club legend will co-host a new podcast, Stick to United, alongside outspoken fan Mark Goldbridge.

The 50-episode series will focus solely on United and will sit alongside Gary Neville’s The Overlap after Disney+ struck a multi-million-pound deal for the former defender’s show. Rooney and Goldbridge’s project will run in tandem with Neville’s Stick to Football, which continues to feature Jamie Carragher, Jill Scott, Ian Wright and Roy Keane.

Both shows will be available on Disney+ and YouTube, with subscribers getting 20 exclusive episodes before they roll out to wider audiences.

Mee forces goalkeeper question

Dermot Mee has nudged his way into the conversation at United after a standout moment in Dublin. The 23-year-old keeper came off the bench for Senne Lammens and saved a crucial penalty in the shootout win over Leeds at Croke Park, helping United edge it 5-4.

“Being able to have that extra bit of adrenaline at the end there, just gets you that extra few inches and helps you make a save,” he told BBC Sport NI.

With Karl Darlow now in the building and veteran Tom Heaton still around, Mee faces a crowded path just to become Lammens’ understudy. But that Croke Park cameo might yet earn him a role in this season’s cup competitions.

United fight to keep teenage goal machine

Inside the academy, United are scrambling to lock down one of their brightest prospects. JJ Gabriel, 15, has exploded with 29 goals in 32 games for the Under-18s and is drawing serious attention from Chelsea and clubs across Europe.

Chelsea are thought to be the strongest external contender, but United remain confident they can tie Gabriel down when he becomes eligible to sign scholarship terms in October. The club see him as a key piece of their future and are working to ensure his development continues at Old Trafford.

Camavinga closes door on Old Trafford switch

One midfield dream looks to be slipping away. Eduardo Camavinga is determined to stay at Real Madrid despite interest from Manchester United, according to The Athletic.

Madrid have reportedly weighed up a possible sale amid outside offers, but the 23-year-old has made his position clear: he wants to remain at the Bernabeu. United would face a major fight if they chose to push ahead, and his stance makes any move to Old Trafford highly unlikely for now.

Kukonki set to stay and then step out

Defender Godwill Kukonki is expected to remain a United player this summer after talks with club chiefs. The 18-year-old, 6ft 5in centre-back has been absent during pre-season, fuelling speculation over his future, especially with his scholarship now in its third year and no professional deal yet signed.

The Manchester Evening News reports that Kukonki has decided not to leave. The plan now is for him to sign professional terms before heading out on loan, with Championship sides including Southampton, Birmingham City and Norwich monitoring the situation, along with Premier League interest. Michael Carrick is understood to rate him highly, with a loan potentially setting him up to challenge for a first-team place in 2027/28.

Barthez joins Zidane’s France staff

A familiar face for United fans is back on the international stage. Fabien Barthez has been appointed France’s new goalkeeping coach, joining up with new boss Zinedine Zidane.

The pair were central to France’s golden era, winning the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 together. Barthez won 87 caps before ending his international career in 2006, and his return to the national setup inevitably stirs memories of his spell under Sir Alex Ferguson after joining United from Monaco in 2000.

Williams swaps United for Peterborough

One young winger has decided his future lies elsewhere. Ethan Williams has completed a permanent move from Manchester United to Peterborough United.

The 20-year-old, who impressed on United’s pre-season tour and scored in the 5-0 win over Rosenborg, has signed a long-term deal with the League One club and will wear the No10 shirt. He previously enjoyed loan spells at Falkirk and Cheltenham.

“I have been out on loan at a couple of clubs, have gained a lot of experience of men’s football and felt it was the right time to leave United and sign for Peterborough,” he said.

Rashford fitness boost and Milan hint

Marcus Rashford is edging back into the picture. Michael Carrick has indicated the forward could feature against AC Milan in United’s next pre-season outing.

Rashford has only just returned to training, but Carrick likes what he has seen. “He’s our player, and he’s come back great,” he told ITV after the Leeds win. “I’ve known Marcus a long time, and he gives us something a little bit different, and he’s been in great spirit since he’s been back.”

Milan are now coached by Ruben Amorim, the former United boss who approved Rashford’s loan move to Aston Villa in January 2025, adding a twist to any meeting.

Transfer business so far

United have been busy reshaping the squad. Karl Darlow has joined on a free from Leeds United, with goalkeeper Kit Margetson arriving from Swansea City, also without a fee.

Midfielder Cristian Orozco has signed from Fortaleza CEIF, while Andrey Santos has come in from Chelsea on a permanent deal. Tynan Thompson has joined from Tottenham, and Youri Tielemans has completed his move from Aston Villa, a transfer already drawing rave reviews.

Spurs urged to move for Rashford

Marcus Rashford’s future continues to stir debate outside Old Trafford. Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara has urged Spurs to test United’s resolve and move for the England forward as they search for a new left-sided attacker.

Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo is among other options, but O’Hara told Sky Sports: “I just don’t know why we don’t go for Marcus Rashford. I really think that Spurs should just go, how much do you want? How much can we get him for?

“If you get him at it with a point to prove, I just think he’s still one of the best players around.

“I think De Zerbi is the perfect man-manager for someone like Rashford. He’s a manager who will get the best out of him. I think he’d be a good signing.”

United in race for Tresoldi

Up front, United are tracking another young striker. Nicolo Tresoldi of Club Brugge is drawing attention from United, Chelsea, Tottenham and Barcelona as clubs search for value in a stretched striker market.

The Germany Under-21 international is expected to cost around €45-50million (£39-43m) after Roma saw a €35m bid rejected. For United, Tresoldi could become competition for Benjamin Sesko, although any move may hinge on Joshua Zirkzee being sold first. Barcelona are also said to be accelerating their pursuit.

Wharton back on United’s radar

In midfield, Adam Wharton is back in the frame. Manchester United have re-entered the race for the Crystal Palace playmaker, viewing him as a controller who can carry the ball, dictate tempo and steady games from deep.

Chelsea and Real Madrid are also watching closely. Palace have slapped a €100million (£86m) price tag on their star, while United are thought to be prepared to go up to around £70m. That gap is currently slowing talks, but the interest is not going away.

Arsenal offer Lewis-Skelly as Hall saga rumbles on

Arsenal, meanwhile, are trying to move pieces of their own. They have reportedly offered Myles Lewis-Skelly to United as they look to recoup some of the money spent on Bruno Guimaraes.

The Guardian reports that Chelsea have also been alerted to the 19-year-old’s availability, with his price believed to be around £45m. United still see Newcastle’s Hall as their primary left-back target, but Lewis-Skelly is now on the list as they weigh up defensive options.

Newcastle, for their part, are desperate not to lose Hall after already waving goodbye to Guimaraes, Tonali and Gordon. Manager Matthias Jaissle is determined to avoid another major departure.

Wan-Bissaka on Villa’s radar

Another former United full-back could be on the move again. Aston Villa have held talks with West Ham over a potential £25m deal for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, according to The Athletic.

Wan-Bissaka spent five years at United between 2019 and 2024 after arriving from Crystal Palace and has since rebuilt his reputation at West Ham. Villa are assessing full-back options, and the 28-year-old’s defensive strength makes him an appealing candidate.

Baleba interest heats up

Newcastle are also dipping into a market that United know well. Carlos Baleba of Brighton, long admired by United after interest last summer, is now on Newcastle’s list of midfield options, reports the Daily Mail.

Newcastle are considering whether to firm up their interest, and United will be watching closely. Baleba could easily become the centre of another tug-of-war between Premier League heavyweights.

Lamine Camara in £43m scramble

United are also among several clubs monitoring Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara, according to Footmercato. Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Liverpool are all in the mix for the 22-year-old, who could follow Maghnes Akliouche out of Monaco this summer.

Monaco value Camara at around €50million (£43m) and want that figure met before they entertain a sale. If United decide to push, they will not be alone at the negotiating table.

Tielemans hailed as “signing of the summer”

One deal already done has drawn strong praise. Former United goalkeeper Ben Foster has labelled Youri Tielemans the “signing of the summer” following his move to Old Trafford.

“I’ve watched a load of transfers happen, Tottenham spending a lot of money, Arsenal have just spent a lot of money, but I still think Youri Tielemans is the signing of the summer so far,” he said on talkSPORT.

“For £30m (£35m), whatever it was, he is a ready-made, good-to-go, starting XI player and if you can spend that money on a ready-to-go starter then it’s worth every single penny.”

Foster still sees one glaring need. “I still think they need that one focal point striker, that one big boy striker. The problem is, where are you going to get it from? And it’s going to cost you £100m, it’s the way it goes nowadays.”

Fernandes remains centre stage

On the pitch in Dublin, Bruno Fernandes once again drew the spotlight. Introduced from the bench in front of a packed Croke Park, the Portugal international received a huge ovation, saw one effort ruled out for offside and later rattled the bar.

He then missed in the penalty shootout, but Noussair Mazraoui eventually sealed a 5-4 win for United. Beyond the pre-season theatre, Fernandes’ future is under scrutiny, with Juventus, AC Milan and Galatasaray all linked as his contract runs into its final year.

His deal runs until 2027, and how that story unfolds will define more than one transfer window.

Jackson tipped as £65m answer up front

Nicolas Jackson is another name being thrown into United’s striking debate. Former United midfielder Quinton Fortune believes the Chelsea forward could be the answer as the club look to give Sesko more competition.

“Nicolas Jackson is an option for Manchester United. He’s just an out-and-out striker,” Fortune said. “He doesn’t really care about anything else apart from getting into the box and getting on the end of whatever service he’s provided, and there’s nothing wrong with that. That’s still the hardest part of the game.”

Jackson is understood to be available this summer, though any United move would again depend on Joshua Zirkzee leaving first.

Carrick’s Rashford verdict

Carrick has doubled down on his backing for Rashford’s return. “Rashford is our player and he’s come back great,” the United boss said. “I’ve known him a long time and he gives us something a little bit different. We’re looking forward to the start of the season.”

After spells on loan at Aston Villa and Barcelona over the last 18 months, Rashford now looks increasingly likely to line up again for United in 2026/27.

Hall pushing for move as United seek depth

Back to the position that started it all: left-back. Lewis Hall is reportedly pushing hard for a move to United, even as Newcastle insist he is not for sale.

United have already made an approach to understand the conditions of a deal, with Hall eager to make the switch. Newcastle’s stance remains firm after a summer of painful exits, but United’s need is obvious. With Champions League football back on the schedule, Michael Carrick wants extra depth for a season across four fronts.

Hall’s frustrations date back to Eddie Howe’s tenure, with the defender believing tactical calls contributed to him missing England’s 2026 World Cup squad. That lingering disappointment is now feeding into his desire for a fresh start.

Salinas clause stands between United and Barcelona

And there is yet another left-back on United’s radar. Racing Santander’s Jorge Salinas is attracting interest from both United and Barcelona, but any club will have to pay his release clause to get him.

Racing sporting director Chema Aragon revealed a bid worth more than £12m has already been rejected. “A club has offered €14m for Jorge Salinas, and Racing have rejected it,” he said. “His release clause is €16 million, and the club will not budge from that figure.”

Salinas is tied to Racing until 2029 after helping them win promotion to La Liga last season. For United, the choice is looming: pay up for potential, or gamble on prising Hall out of Newcastle’s grip.