The Red Devils are intensifying their pursuit of Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, viewing the versatile youngster as the ideal candidate to challenge Luke Shaw and bolster their defensive depth.
With the summer transfer window fast approaching, Manchester United are preparing for what promises to be a busy recruitment period ahead of the new campaign.
The Reds have already agreed a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson and are expected to continue strengthening in the middle of the park, with plans to add two more midfielders to Michael Carrick's squad.
West Ham's Matheus Fernandes is among the club's leading targets, while Bournemouth youngster Alex Scott is another player admired by United's recruitment team.
However, midfield is not the only area under consideration. Reports suggest the club are also exploring options at both left-back and left wing as they look to bolster depth across the squad.
Luke Shaw became just the fifth outfield Man Utd player to start all 38 Premier League matches last season, but with Manchester United returning to European competition, there are concerns over placing such a heavy workload on the England international.
As a result, adding further competition and cover at left-back could become a priority before the window closes.
Man Utd actively targeting Hall
As United weigh up their options for potential left-back replacements, 21-year-old Newcastle gem Lewis Hall has emerged as the leading candidate to rival Luke Shaw for a starting place at Man Utd next season.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have kept contacts alive and active with Lewis Hall's camp ahead of a potential move this summer.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said, "I wanted to mention something on Manchester United, because over the last two, three days, Manchester United kept the contacts alive and active with those close to Lewis Hall, the left back from Newcastle. Manchester United already made contact a few weeks ago.
"Manchester United have genuine interest in the player. They really like Lewis Hall, so he's one of the targets. Of course, we know Manchester United are going to be busy with midfielders, that area of the pitch for Man United remains a priority, because Ederson is coming, Ederson is done.
"But then after Ederson, one more midfielder- at least it could be two, we will see- but one more midfielder will join Manchester United. Then left back remains a position they want to cover. Lewis Hall is a player they really, really love at Manchester United."
Lewis Hall could be open to a move
It came as a shock to many football fans that Lewis Hall wasn't included in Thomas Tuchel's final squad for the World Cup, with many even thinking that he could be in with a chance of starting as England's left back after his impressive season for Newcastle.
It is thought that Eddie Howe's decision to both bench the 21-year-old and play him out of position at right-back towards the end of the season was a major contributing factor to him being omitted from the World Cup squad.
The young left-back would be a perfect signing for Luke Shaw, who isn't getting any younger, and also entering the final year of his contract at Old Trafford.
Hall could be tempted by the major pull of Champions League football, and also the chance to be a part of an exciting project at one of the biggest clubs in the world.
