Laurie Whitwell has given an update on Manchester United‘s transfer plans and particularly whether they will move for a new left-back.

The Red Devils have been linked with Newcastle United‘s Lewis Hall, who could be Luke Shaw’s long-term replacement. Reports claim that the Englishman prefers a move to Old Trafford over a return to Chelsea.

Newcastle are expected to play hardball over Hall after selling Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon for around £170 million. The Magpies don’t want to sell the 21-year-old and are reportedly demanding £80m given he still has three years left on his contract.

Man Utd Stance on Hall Revealed

via Reuters

While United admire Hall, there is a chance that they don’t make a move for the young full-back. Michael Carrick has several versatile players in his squad, which could mean he heads into next season without the arrival of a new left-back

That’s what Whitwell suggested in The Athletic‘s Deal Sheet: “As well as left-wing options, United have looked at potential left-backs, with people at the club liking Newcastle’s Lewis Hall. But Rashford’s return and Dorgu’s position have an impact there, while Leny Yoro was deployed at right-back in Helsinki, possibly raising the prospect of Noussair Mazraoui switching to an option at left-back, where he played for Morocco.”

Patrick Dorgu arrived at United under Ruben Amorim and was deployed as the left wing-back before moving to the left wing under Carrick. He could be used as a makeshift left-back if Shaw needs to be rotated.

It appears that Carrick’s coaching staff also view Noussair Mazraoui as an option, which might not be too enthusing for fans. While the Moroccan has proven to be useful since joining from Bayern Munich, he has blown hot and cold.

Man Utd Must Go All Out For Hall

United are focused right now on signing a third new midfielder following the arrivals of Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans. AS Roma’s Manu Kone is at the top of their wishlist amid reports suggesting they could make a £47m offer for the Frenchman.

Once a third midfield signing is made, the transfer chiefs will turn their attention to other areas of Carrick’s squad. That includes left-back, where they should do all they can to land Hall.

Shaw is now 31 and, despite playing every league game last season, will eventually need replacing. Hall is the ideal heir as he possesses a similar profile and can take the position from his compatriot.

United should be backing Carrick with a squad that can compete for major trophies, and this is the kind of deal you get sorted. Even if it means paying a hefty fee, it is a signing that sorts out the left-back position for potentially the next five or more years.

Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi could be seen embracing after the 2026 World Cup final, in a moment that represented a passing of the torch.

The greatest footballer of all time was unable to drag his Argentina team across the line again, just as he had in the 2022 final. Meanwhile, Yamal, 19, was part of Spain’s dominant side that steamrolled every opponent they encountered.

He’s largely viewed as the heir to Messi’s throne, especially as a Barcelona superstar at such a young age. Messi’s brilliance at 39 years old, scoring eight goals and registering four assists, wasn’t enough to seal back-to-back World Cup titles.

Following the full-time whistle, Yamal headed straight over to the Argentina icon, who sat heartbroken on the turf at MetLife Stadium.

What Lionel Messi Said to Lamine Yamal After World Cup Final

REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Much of the attention was drawn to the post-match meltdown, which saw Nicolas Otamendi furiously confront Rodri, Leandro Paredes throw Gavi to the floor and an Argentine coach punch Dani Olmo.

However, cameras naturally drifted towards Messi, who more than likely bowed out of international football with a loss on the biggest stage. He looked like a broken man as he sat on the ground, avoiding all the post-match drama.

Yamal immediately made his way over to Messi, who he helped up off the ground before hugging. The pair shared words, which the Spanish forward has now revealed.

Per the Metro, Yamal said: “He’s the greatest player in history and someone I’ve always looked up to. After the match, I wanted to show him my respect.

Getting Messi’s seal of approval and recognition would have been music to Yamal’s ears. The teenage sensation has now won the European Championship and World Cup with Spain.

Messi’s Statement on ‘Immense Pain’ After Final Defeat

Lionel Messi looks dejected via REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

Almost 24 hours after the disappointing defeat, Messi took to social media to express how hurt he felt after failing to add a fourth star to Argentina’s badge. “The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal. But I also hold onto all the good things,” his statement read.

He added: “The matches we turned around by giving it our all – moments that will remain in our memories forever – and the support of an entire country which, combined with this group’s hard work and effort, brought us back among the world’s elite once again.

Statistics are courtesy of FIFA. Correct as of 21-07-26.

There is plenty of transfer activity taking place at Manchester United and the club are starting to weigh up offloading players deemed surplus to requirements.

United are in the midst of rebuilding Michael Carrick’s midfield following Casemiro’s departure. Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans have arrived, and the transfer chiefs are reportedly eyeing AS Roma’s Manu Kone.

There is also thought to be a desire to add a new striker to Carrick’s squad ahead of the new season. Benjamin Sesko is still nursing a long-term shin problem and Joshua Zirkzee has been disappointing throughout his Old Trafford spell.

Juventus Want to Sign Zirkzee

Zirkzee’s future is in doubt amid a difficult past season which saw him manage just two goals in 24 league outings. The Dutch attacker arrived from Bologna in the summer of 2024 after catching the eye in Serie A.

There remains admiration from Italy for Zirkzee, and Juventus are one of the clubs reportedly eyeing the 25-year-old. A report from Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport claims they have made an inquiry and that the player isn’t deemed untouchable.

The Red Devils have set an asking price of around £29.7- £34 million (€35-40 million) and the Old Lady could swoop. Dusan Vlahovic’s exit and Jonathan David’s disappointing form has forced the Italians to explore the market for a new centre-forward

One issue Juve might have is Zirkzee’s “significant salary”, which is said to be €4 million per year. They have swooped for Randal Kolo-Muani but clearly want another forward with the versatility of the Dutchman, who had been previously dubbed a “baller.”

Zirkzee’s Time at United is Up

It’s been somewhat of a nightmare for Zirkzee since joining United, as he has struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League. Branded an “imposter”, unconvincing displays and a poor goalscoring record should almost certainly lead to a sale.

While you can’t fault the player’s attitude, he hasn’t lived up to expectations, and a return to Serie A could be best for all parties. But Carrick must be handed a replacement, and that needs to be a reliable goalscorer who can offer backup to Sesko.

United have a shoddy track record of selling players, and INEOS can correct this by raising a reasonable fee for Zirkzee. Anything over £30m would be somewhat of a success, although they would still be making a loss.