Transfers
Forget Lewis Hall: Man Utd already have perfect Luke Shaw replacement
Manchester United already have a perfect left‑back replacement for Luke Shaw in Noussair Mazraoui, meaning the club can forget Lewis Hall as a priority. With Michael Carrick overseeing a squad that needs depth on the flanks, Mazraoui offers a short‑term solution while Newcastle refuse to sell Hall with less than a week left in the transfer window.
Hall remains top target despite obstacles
Lewis Hall is understood to be Manchester United's top target for the left‑back position. Newcastle United have indicated they are not willing to sell Hall after already losing Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes. The club is expected to revisit Hall in future windows, but no deal has materialised and nothing is advanced at present.
Noussair Mazraoui, a former Ajax and Bayern Munich player, started United’s opening‑day defeat to Hull at right‑back. Internationally he has been forced to play left‑back for Morocco because Achraf Hakimi occupies the right‑back slot. Mazraoui’s best performances, according to observers, have come when he operates on the left side of the defence.
Mazraoui offers immediate solution
With Diogo Dalot occupying the right‑back role and Leny Yoro also featuring on that flank, Mazraoui could be shifted to left‑back to provide depth for Luke Shaw. Michael Carrick could view the Moroccan as a short‑term fix if United fail to secure a new signing before the deadline. The defence is expected to undergo a major rebuild next summer, and using Mazraoui now may prevent the club from having to buy twice.
The transfer window closes in less than a week, leaving limited time for United to act. While Hall remains a priority, the club already possesses a quality alternative in Mazraoui, reducing pressure to complete a purchase.
REUTERS/Scott Heppell By  Daniel Feliciano PM GMT+1 After deciding late that he wanted a career in sports journalism, Daniel worked his way up the ladder in an unconventional manner. Having opted against university, Daniel worked with as a freelance contributor and translator during transfer windows while also volunteering on several other blog pages and outlets to get a portfolio of content together. Daniel then worked with Barnet FC as part of their social media team before starting his own website, which focused on football and MMA content. The site later led to roles in Media, and readers are invited to Add Us or Log in for more coverage.