United are not only after Lewis-Skelly

If Manchester United had recognized in recent years just how much talent there was in Alvaro Carreras, and instead of selling the Spaniard to Benfica for 14.3 million euros less than two years ago had given him the chance to develop and play for the first team, the left-back position would have been secured for the next decade. As things stand, there’s effectively an open call at Old Trafford for a player to fill that role. It’s still unclear whether Michael Carrick will remain the manager after the end of the season, but it is certain that United are heading for a rebuild this June and are preparing for an active transfer window. It’s also known that at least four names are on their shortlist when it comes to left-backs. United have set their sights on targets from North London, Newcastle, Frankfurt, and Barcelona.

Man United want Mbeumo’s international teammate – Cameroonian is a target

Sky Sports reports that their targets include Arsenal academy product Myles Lewis-Skelly, Newcastle’s Lewis Hall—currently one of the best left-backs in the Premier League—and Eintracht Frankfurt’s rising star Nathaniel Brown. Meanwhile, Mundo Deportivo adds that Manchester United, along with Manchester City and Aston Villa, have inquired with Barcelona about Alejandro Balde. Sky Sports highlights Lewis-Skelly in particular, who signed a five-year contract with Arsenal last June. However, in a season where the Gunners are competing for three trophies, he has made just one Premier League start. Although he started six times in the Champions League, Thomas Tuchel did not include him in the England squad due to his limited playing time. One of the most talented players to emerge from Arsenal’s academy in recent years, he has the potential to become a long-term fixture at left-back at the Emirates. But there’s another side to the story—Arsenal are planning new signings this June, which means they’ll also need to sell players. Lewis-Skelly’s price would be quite high, and in financial terms, any transfer fee would count as pure profit since he came through the youth ranks.

What a signing that would be - Red Devils are chasing Arsenal's overlooked gem

Tyrell Malacia will leave Old Trafford at the end of the season, leaving United with Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu as their current left-back options. Shaw is more defensively oriented and has often played as a center-back in recent years, while Dorgu is an excellent runner—but Lewis-Skelly is the type of player United currently lack. Highly technical, capable of cutting inside, and composed in tight spaces. Last season, the teenager made a major breakthrough into Arsenal’s first team at the age of 19, and he still has huge room for development. If United make a move, Arsenal will have to think very carefully before making a decision they might later regret. In addition to left-backs, United’s sporting department is monitoring a number of highly talented players who are already close to being complete products. These include Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, RB Leipzig’s prodigy Yan Diomande, and Everton’s standout Iliman Ndiaye.