Transfers
Rooney urges United to reverse course and snap £45m Arsenal talent
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney is urging the club to reverse its transfer policy and sign Arsenal’s 19‑year‑old star Myles Lewis‑Skelly for a reported £45 million before the summer window closes. The former Red Devil believes the England international can fill United’s left‑back and midfield voids as they prepare for a Champions League return.
Defensive and midfield gaps at United
United have struggled to find a reliable backup for left‑back Luke Shaw, prompting former captain Michael Carrick to voice interest in a new signing that can provide cover. Carrick also highlighted United’s ongoing search for a central midfielder, a position the club has been trying to strengthen all summer.
The club’s upcoming return to the Champions League has intensified the need for additional quality, and Rooney warned that the money spent over the last decade has left United “recovering from an absolute disaster”. He stressed that any new arrivals must be the right fit for the squad.
Arsenal's openness and price tag
Arsenal are reportedly willing to sell Lewis‑Skelly this summer after bolstering their midfield with the £75 million acquisition of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United. The Gunners have set a modest fee of £45 million for the 19‑year‑old, and fellow Premier League side Chelsea were also offered the chance to sign him.
Lewis‑Skelly broke into Mikel Arteta’s side towards the end of last season, playing a crucial role as Arsenal clinched the Premier League title and reached the Champions League final. He further impressed in the Community Shield, helping Arsenal beat Manchester City 3‑0.
Rooney made his plea in a video interview (Picture: YouTube), saying, “I don’t think you can rely on Luke Shaw to be consistent for the whole season and that leads me to Myles Lewis‑Skelly.” He added, “We’re hearing that he could be available for not that much money, so I think that’s an absolute no‑brainer. If you can get a player who can play left‑back and centre‑midfield, that’s an absolute no‑brainer.”
Despite the interest, United have not responded positively to the approach, and Rooney warned that the club must act before the window shuts. He concluded, “Every fan, including me, wants to see more players coming in, but it’s about getting the right players and doing it right.”