Man Utd fans think club have dodged bullet after seeing transfer target’s 'stinker' pre-season performance

Manchester United fans think they might have dodged a bullet after reportedly having their pursuit of a Premier League player blocked.

Ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, Michael Carrick has already welcomed three fresh faces to United, with midfielders Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans and back-up goalkeeper Karl Darlow joining the Old Trafford club.

It has been widely reported that United would like to recruit a striker to challenge Benjamin Sesko, a midfielder to cope with the demands of Champions League football, as well as another left-back, with Luke Shaw turning 32 next July.

Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall appears to be United’s priority ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline, with the England international impressing at the Magpies since his move from Chelsea.

The Northeast club reportedly value the full-back at £60million, although, according to Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie, Newcastle have made it clear to Man United that they have no intention of selling the 21-year-old, having already turned down approaches from the Red Devils.

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Part of the reason for Newcastle’s stance is that they do not need to sell Hall, as they raised significant funds from the sale of key players Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon, who have joined Spurs, Arsenal and Barcelona respectively.

Fulham’s Antonee Robinson is said to be viewed as an alternative to Hall, although no club-to-club talks have taken place at this stage.

United fans change mind on Lewis Hall transfer

And it’s safe to say many United fans have changed their minds on the club’s pursuit of Hall after watching his performance in Newcastle’s pre-season friendly against Everton in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Wednesday (August 12).

Fans waded in with their thoughts on social media after Hall was at fault for Everton’s first goal, with one saying: “Lewis Hall is playing like he's being forced to vs Everton.”

Another added: “Lewis Hall has clearly had his head turned. He’s having a stinker.”

A third commented: “From this match I’m watching now, Everton vs Newcastle, this Lewis Hall is totally unimpressive. He is overrated, man.”

A fourth weighed in: “Is this the Lewis Hall that’s worth 70m and is better than MLS? A lot of Man United fans seem to watch most of their football off TikTok reels.”

A fifth quipped: “Lewis Hall has signed out before the season has started loool. He needs to force his move to United.”

While a sixth wrote: “Lewis Hall looks like he’s towing a caravan when he’s running at full speed.”

Newcastle get their Premier League campaign underway at home against Liverpool on August 23.