United strike gold in pursuit of “fearless” English wizard, he’s prepared to force move to Old Trafford – report

Manchester United have reportedly been offered fresh hope in their pursuit of Lewis Hall as the 21-year-old left-back prepares to make a key decision on his future at St James’ Park. The Successor to Shaw The Red Devils have identified Hall as their leading target to provide competition – and a long-term successor – to Luke Shaw, despite the 30-year-old Englishman starting every Premier League match last season. This consistency in availability is an anomaly in Shaw’s career, however, as he has been plagued by injuries since arriving at Old Trafford from Southampton as an 18-year-old in 2013. A devastating double leg fracture of his tibia and fibula, sustained against PSV Eindhoven in 2015, is believed to be the cause of this. The London native even came close to losing his leg, such was the seriousness of the break. The return of Champions League football will see United forced to contend with two, or even three, games a week next season, once the Carabao Cup and FA Cup are factored in, provided the Red Devils do not repeat last year’s woes in the cup competitions. Shaw’s body will not be able to cope with this increased workload, making a new left-back a priority, given Patrick Dorgu’s reinvention as a winger by Michael Carrick. The 21-year-old Denmark international has returned three goals in three starts on the left wing under Carrick. Having established himself as one of the most accomplished left-backs in the Premier League, Hall ticks virtually every box – young, hungry, homegrown, Premier League proven – that INEOS have made a priority in recruitment. But Newcastle United’s refusal to lose the defender had dampened expectations of a switch from Tyneside to Manchester, with the Magpies having already sold Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali in the past twelve months. Hall set to demand an exit In a game-changing twist, Football Fancast reveals Hall “wants to join Manchester United despite interest from a host of top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal.” It is claimed the former Chelsea star will “formally demand a transfer to Old Trafford in sit-down talks with the manager and owners” if he is not guaranteed a starting role at St James’ Park moving forward. Towards the end of last year’s campaign, Hall lost his place under Eddie Howe, which is said to have created conflict between the pair. Being excluded from England’s squad for the World Cup “made matters worse” after Thomas Tuchel opted to include Tottenham Hotspur full-back Djed Spence ahead of him. Lewis Hall Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsSecond Yellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League3024115–2,180′ UEFA Champions League106-1—648′ FA Cup32—–231′ EFL Cup33—–196′ Premier League 211–1–90′ Total4736126–3,345′ Source: Transfermarkt.After a disappointing 12th-placed finish, Newcastle will not be competing in Europe at all next season. Hall is understood to want to play in the Champions League, considering it key to his development, as well as for his international aspirations. A report relayed by The Peoples Person stated Hall would welcome the opportunity to work under Carrick at Old Trafford. He would also be willing to compete with, rather than outright replace, Shaw. Final Thoughts Having been priced out of moves for wingers like Yan Diomande and Morgan Rogers, Manchester United had turned to West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville as a cheaper alternative. But Italian giant AS Roma have stolen a march on the Red Devils after holding talks with the Dutchman’s camp – and receiving the green light over a switch to the Italian capital. United, by contrast, are believed to need to seal Marcus Rashford’s permanent departure to fund a move for Summerville. With the 28-year-old forward’s exit proving difficult to find, INEOS may be prepared to pivot from the left wing to left-back as their new priority. If they prepare a raid on the North East for Hall, the “fearless” Newcastle full-back looks ready to welcome their interest. Featured image Stu Forster via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.