Manchester United are expected to be active in the upcoming summer window, with plenty of potential new faces expected to arrive at Old Trafford.
The 20-time English champions will certainly bolster their midfield with at least two acquisitions, whilst the club is also weighing up attacking options.
Additionally, left-back has become something of a priority, with Luke Shaw’s long-term future unclear and Tyrell Malacia departing at the end of the campaign.
Shaw, perhaps surprisingly, has collected significant gametime this season; in both central defence and in a more conventional left-back role under Michael Carrick.
Still, he just hasn’t looked the same player in recent months, with years of injury issues starting to limit his ability to maraud up and down the touchline with ease.
With Patrick Dorgu seen as more of an attacking asset, there is a growing sense that a new option will need to be brought in this summer.
Here, I look at four of the best individuals who could make an impact in the North West.
Lewis Hall – Newcastle
Hall’s performances for Newcastle have drawn attention from some of England’s biggest names, and with good reason.
If the latest reports are to be believed, Manchester United is one of the leading sides currently monitoring the defender ahead of the summer window.
The 21-year-old put in a strong showing against Lamine Yamal in a recent European clash against the mighty Barcelona, and has been one of the Magpies’ best performers this campaign.
Signed from Chelsea in 2023, Hall is a technically gifted, left-footed player who is an excellent ball progresser, possesses good dribbling skills, and is a solid passer.
The Slough native is seen as a modern, reliable full-back with buckets of potential and could be the perfect one to take over the mantle in M16.
Getting him out of the North East would not be easy, however, and he would also command a substantial transfer fee.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – Arsenal
Arsenal teenager Lewis-Skelly enjoyed an excellent breakthrough campaign in 2024-25, establishing himself as a first-team regular and even nailing down a regular starting spot as a left-back.
It has been a different story this season, however, as the youngster has seemingly fallen down the pecking order under Mikel Arteta.
Inevitably, a lack of playing time has fueled speculation that his future could lie away from North London, and he has been linked with a surprise move to United in recent weeks.
The 19-year-old is not a natural left-back; he is actually a central midfielder by trade, as illustrated by his tendency to invert. That said, he has garnered plenty of top-level experience in a defensive role.
Naturally, a utility man would be an attractive, versatile option for potential suitors; however, any deal would not come cheap, especially given his age and ceiling.
I would classify this move as unlikely, but, as the old saying goes, stranger things have happened in football.
El Hadji Malick Diouf – West Ham
Malick Diouf has been a standout performer for West Ham this season, catching the eye with strong defensive displays and excellent crossing ability.
The Senegal star is a physical, powerful presence who is good in the air and can progress the ball forward with speedy runs.
His performances are earning him a reputation as a robust tackler, and he has settled well in the Premier League, having only joined the Hammers from Slavia Prague in July 2025.
The Senegalese could represent an attractive potential low-cost option should West Ham be relegated, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he were on many top clubs’ shortlists this summer.
Federico Dimarco – Inter Milan
One of the more intriguing players to have been linked with a move to Old Trafford is Inter Milan’s Dimarco.
Of the players I’ve mentioned, the Italian is by far and away the most experienced. He offers a wealth of top-level European know-how, having impressed in recent years in the latter stages of the Champions League.
Predominantly a left-wing back, the 28-year-old is an ultra-attack-minded defender who is adept at both crossing and shooting, and boasts potent set-piece ability.
He blends technical skill with high stamina to dominate the flank; however, one downside might be that he is better suited to playing in a back five.
The dynamic former FC Sion star is certainly one of the most prolific defenders in Italy and would undoubtedly represent an exciting option.
Nonetheless, whether he would suit a more traditional back-four system in the Premier League remains to be seen.
Who would you like to see Manchester United bring in as the ideal long-term Luke Shaw replacement? Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images via depositphotos.com.
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