Myles Lewis-Skelly gave Manchester United another reason to consider a £45m move after making an immediate impact in Arsenal’s 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City.
United have been offered the 19-year-old as Michael Carrick searches for another option on the left side of his defence, with Arsenal understood to value their academy graduate at around £45m. The Guardian reported last week that United are weighing up whether to move for him.
His performance against City offered an intriguing reminder that Lewis-Skelly could provide Carrick with considerably more than conventional left-back cover.
Myles Lewis-Skelly makes 23-second Man Utd transfer statement
Lewis-Skelly started the Community Shield in midfield rather than at left-back and immediately influenced the game.
Just 23 seconds after kick-off, the England international threaded a clever pass through City’s defence for Riccardo Calafiori, who finished to give Arsenal the lead. Reuters highlighted Lewis-Skelly’s role in the move as Arsenal went on to win 3-0.
That versatility is particularly interesting from United’s perspective.
ReadManUtd has previously examined Carrick’s search for a long-term left-back, with Newcastle’s Lewis Hall among the alternatives considered by the club.
Lewis-Skelly would offer a different solution.
He can defend from the left, step into midfield during possession and operate centrally when required. Sunday’s performance against City demonstrated the technical quality that has made him one of Arsenal’s most highly-rated academy graduates.
£45m decision could come down to Carrick’s plan
United’s interest should not be judged solely on one assist.
Lewis-Skelly had limited Premier League starts last season and Arsenal’s willingness to listen to offers raises legitimate questions over whether £45m represents good value.
Carrick also already has Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu available on the left.
But Dorgu’s development further forward creates an important complication.
Using the Denmark international primarily as a defender could remove one of United’s most dangerous attacking outlets, particularly after his excellent display and goal against AC Milan.
A new left-back could therefore allow Carrick to keep Dorgu higher up the pitch without leaving Shaw as United’s only established specialist option.
That is where Lewis-Skelly becomes particularly intriguing.
Rather than spending £45m simply on another left-back, United would be buying a teenager capable of filling several roles and potentially becoming part of Carrick’s midfield structure as well.
Twenty-three seconds against Manchester City did not settle whether United should pay Arsenal’s asking price.
It did, however, provide a striking demonstration of why Carrick may be tempted.
