Forget Lewis Hall: Man Utd Already have a Ready-Made Luke Shaw Upgrade

Manchester United are still searching for a new left-back before the transfer window closes, but Michael Carrick may not need to look too far for a short-term solution.

The Red Devils have been linked with several players in recent weeks, with Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall believed to be one of their main targets. However, Newcastle are reluctant to sell, leaving United with limited time to find another option.

That could force the club to consider a solution already available at Old Trafford.

Noussair Mazraoui has plenty of experience playing at left-back, despite being used more regularly on the right during his club career. The Morocco international has also shown at international level that he can handle the position at the highest level.

With Luke Shaw entering the final year of his Manchester United contract, giving Mazraoui a bigger role on the left could make sense.

Man Utd still want a new left-back

United’s midfield rebuild has taken most of the attention this summer.

INEOS have spent heavily to strengthen Carrick’s options, bringing in Andrey Santos from Chelsea for £48m plus £2m in add-ons, Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for £35m and Carlos Baleba from Brighton for £65m plus £5m in potential extras.

With that work largely completed, the focus has now moved towards the defence.

Shaw is entering the final year of his contract and has also had a difficult injury record during his time at Old Trafford. United therefore need competition and reliable cover in that position.

Lewis Hall remains an attractive option, while Jorge Salinas and Barcelona’s Alejandro Balde have also been discussed as possible targets.

However, the situation with Hall is complicated because Newcastle have little interest in losing another important player after already seeing Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes leave this summer.

That means United could decide against forcing a deal simply because they need another left-back.

Manchester United’s current defensive options

Mazraoui could give Carrick an easy answer

Mazraoui’s versatility could become extremely important for United.

The 28-year-old began the new Premier League campaign at right-back during the defeat to Hull City, but he is far from being limited to that position.

In fact, his international career has given United a clear example of what he can offer on the left.

Morocco use Achraf Hakimi on the right, meaning Mazraoui has regularly been asked to play on the opposite flank. Rather than looking uncomfortable there, he has become an important defensive player for his country.

That experience could make him a realistic competitor for Shaw.

The key advantage is that United would not have to spend another large transfer fee simply to add squad depth. Mazraoui is already familiar with the club, the Premier League and Carrick’s demands.

Diogo Dalot also provides another option because of his ability to play on either side of the defence.

That gives Carrick more flexibility than United’s transfer activity might suggest.

Why moving Mazraoui to the left could work

There is still a strong argument for United signing a specialist left-back. Shaw’s fitness cannot be taken for granted, and relying on one senior player for an entire season would be risky.

But there is also little reason to panic.

If Newcastle refuse to negotiate over Hall and other targets prove too expensive or complicated, Mazraoui gives Carrick a credible alternative.

More importantly, using him on the left for a season could allow United to wait for the right long-term signing rather than spending heavily on a player who does not fit the club’s plans.

United are expected to make further defensive changes next summer, so rushing into another major deal now could create another problem later.

For Carrick, Mazraoui may therefore be more than just emergency cover. He could be the practical answer to United’s left-back problem while the club waits for the right opportunity.