Man Utd given 'green light' to sign England international who would transform their team

Manchester United are ready to ramp up their pursuit of a new left-back after securing their return to the Champions League.

Man Utd finished third in the Premier League under interim head coach Michael Carrick, who was appointed on a permanent basis last week.

After two seasons away from European club football's premier competition, the Red Devils will return next season with Carrick at the helm and, they hope, a strengthened squad.

One position that will be a focus for the club's recruitment team is left-back.

Luke Shaw was the only United player to start every Premier League fixture in 2025-26 and racked up more minutes than any other of his teammates.

Of the 20 players with more Premier League minutes this season, only 12 are outfielders.

At 30 years of age and with a significant injury history behind him, Shaw won't be playing an increased schedule of at least 48 fixtures next term. United are reportedly moving to improve their options to address that threat.

Their top target is reportedly Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall.

"The 21-year-old has developed into one of England’s brightest young defenders during his time at St James’ Park, but his long-term future now seems less certain than it did a few months ago," according to Caught Offside sources.

"Director of football Jason Wilcox is a big admirer of Hall and is pushing the club to look seriously at a deal.

"The club’s left side has needed proper attention for a while. Luke Shaw has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, Tyrell Malacia is leaving, and Patrick Dorgu has often looked more natural higher up the pitch than as a traditional left-back."

Hall is a former Chelsea youngster and started 24 of Newcastle's Premier League fixtures in 2025-26.

After two seasons at St James' Park, the 21-year-old is in demand. There are three years left on his Magpies contract.

Shaw and Hall will both miss World Cup 2026

Despite both being capped and available, both Shaw and Hall have been omitted from England's World Cup squad by manager Thomas Tuchel.

The only natural left-back in the England squad is Manchester City's 21-year-old Nico O'Reilly, with Tottenham Hotspur right-back Djed Spence expected to be his understudy if required during the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico in the summer.

Hall has played four times for England and only twice since Tuchel's appointment.