- Manchester United in hunt for squad depth in summer
- As many as ‘five names’ could arrive at Old Trafford
- Myles Lewis-Skelly has been ‘recommended’ to Reds
Manchester United‘s draw against Sunderland gave some fans a reality check and a sneak peek into who won’t be at Old Trafford next season.
Despite interim boss Michael Carrick insisting that the bore draw wasn’t an audition for futures, the reality looks much more cut-throat.
In order for United to buy freely, INEOS must look at cutting costs on the pitch. Some of that has been alleviated with contract expiries, such as Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia. It is expected to save around £600,000 a week alone.
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Arsenal Star on United Radar
According to Samuel Luckhurst, Arsenal defender Myles Lewis-Skelly “has been recommended to United”. The idea is for the Gunners star to come in as “a potential left back option to compete with Luke Shaw”.
The Sun journalist writes that the Reds intend to bring in a “minimum” of “five signings” this summer. This should consist of “three central midfielders, a left back and a back-up striker”. Additionally, the profile of recruits will be between the ages of “22-26”, to which Lewis-Skelly fits the criteria.
The Arsenal defender has started just four Premier League games this term. Ricardo Calafiori and Pierre Hincapie have been preferred in defence. It has been a significant climb-down from his prominent role under Mikel Arteta in his breakthrough campaign last year. However, the 19-year-old has started in the last three games against Atletico Madrid, Fulham and West Ham United.
Lewis-Skelly is currently contracted to The Emirates until 2030, having signed a new long-term contract last summer. Factoring in the Gunners’ reluctance to sell to a key rival, the price could reach the high end if United enter negotiations.
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Lewis-Skelly Would Be Luke Shaw’s Successor
There is no doubt that the teenager would be at the heart of United’s defence for the next decade upon arrival. Consequently, that would be 75% of INEOS’ future defence sorted, as teenagers Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are seen as the ideal centre-back pairing.
In 2018, former manager Jose Mourinho made a similar prediction with Diogo Dalot, prophecising that he would be United’s right-back for ‘the next decade’. That has almost rang true, but on the other flank is Luke Shaw’s future, which is up for grabs.
The Englishman has been readily available for United in 2025/26. However, the race against time as a 30-year-old means that talks over his replacement must commence. Shaw himself came to United as an 18-year-old in 2014, making him one of the most expensive teenagers at the time. Lewis-Skelly’s ceiling is just as high, and Arsenal selling would command a similar label.
So far, the North London star has proven that he has the ability to play at the elite level. He recently not only played, but also starred in the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League. He will look to play in the final next month in Arsenal’s pursuit of beating current European champions PSG.
