Manchester United are set to have a huge summer transfer window after securing Champions League football this season.
The Red Devils significantly improved after hitting rock bottom last season and returned to the top four in the Premier League with a third-place finish under Michael Carrick.
The interim appointment of their former midfielder stabilised the dressing room and improved performances on the pitch throughout the second half of the season, rightfully turning his temporary position into a permanent two-year deal at Old Trafford.
With Carrick’s appointment confirmed, the club can now put all of their focus into a strong recruitment drive to build on the foundations that have been put back into place over the last six months.
Have Man United made any signings?
In a post on social media platform Instagram this morning, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Man United have almost sealed the deal to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson.
The Italian journalist revealed:
“Man United and Atalanta have SEALED all formal steps, Éderson is now a Red Devil!
Deal also formally COMPLETED between clubs for €45m total package, Éderson will sign after holidays as part of agreement.
New midfielder for Michael Carrick… and more to follow”
Which signings are Man United prioritising?
It has been no secret over the last few months that the Red Devils are keen to refresh and future-proof their midfield options going into next season.
With the departure of serial winner Casemiro, United are under no illusions that the centre of the pitch will be significantly depleted without the Brazilian’s influence.
Finding the right long-term solutions to not only replace him but add even more quality will be imperative.
Away from midfield recruitment, it has been reported that the club are keen to sign a new left-back this summer and have curated a shortlist of top talent.
According to TEAMtalk, Man United have held talks to sign Newcastle United star Lewis Hall as they step up their pursuit of a left-back.
While Hall remains their first choice, the club are also eyeing moves for two other targets in the position, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown and Barcelona star Alejandro Balde named as alternative options.
Newcastle United have expressed that they have no desire to sell their talented ace this summer, but are not blind to the fact that Hall may want to assess his options. As a result, a price tag of more than £60m has been slapped on him.
Should Man United sign Lewis Hall?
There is no doubt that the 21-year-old is an exciting prospect in the Premier League, and his recent omission from England’s World Cup squad has further pushed him into the spotlight.
After earning multiple England caps thanks to his form for the Magpies, it was expected that Thomas Tuchel would give the left-footed star a guaranteed spot on the plane to America this summer.
However, it was not meant to be for Hall – once hailed as “outstanding” by Newcastle boss Eddie Howe – and instead he will spend his summer focusing on pre-season while assessing his future.
The Magpies had a difficult campaign which ultimately led to them missing out on European football, so there is a real opportunity for Man United to capitalise on a rare period of instability on Tyneside.
Hall boasts a diverse skillset that makes him both a trustworthy defensive asset and an attacking threat from the left flank.
His strengths include blocking, dribbling, crossing and creating key passes, all attributes that make him an ideal prospect.
Whether Manchester United can secure a deal for Hall remains to be seen, especially given Newcastle’s reluctance to part ways with one of their brightest young talents.
However, after already moving quickly to complete the signing of Ederson, it is clear that the club are targeting younger players who can form the core of Michael Carrick’s new-look squad for years to come.
With Champions League football secured and momentum restored at Old Trafford, United have an opportunity to make a real statement in the transfer market this summer.
If Hall is available for the right price, he could prove to be another important piece of the puzzle as the Red Devils look to close the gap on the Premier League’s elite once again.
