Michael Carrick made the stance plain enough: Manchester United still want more before Deadline Day, and Lewis Hall remains the left-back they keep circling. "We want more, we need more," Carrick said. United have already signed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, but the work is not being treated as finished.

Carrick's recruitment message

Carrick said United have done "really good business" already, then added that they "want more" and "need more". He also said the club are still looking to enhance the squad, and that the process "never stops".

The point is not hard to follow. United finished third in the Premier League in 2025 and collected 71 points across 38 league games, so there is a clear base to build on rather than a squad to leave alone. Carrick also wants a left-back and another central midfielder, which keeps the focus on depth as much as on first XI quality.

Luke Shaw started 38 of United’s Premier League matches last season, and his last five league ratings average 7.16. That does not make the chase about replacing him. It points more to protection and competition on the left side, which is usually how sensible squads are built.

Hall and Newcastle's stance

Hall is still the preferred left-back name if Newcastle soften their stance, but the deal is not close and Newcastle insist he is not for sale. Reports have also said the 21-year-old wants the move, although other reporting has pushed back on that reading and suggested he is simply open to the idea.

Newcastle’s own activity keeps that market alive. They have made progress in talks for Amar Dedić, who is expected to cost around €35m (£30m), and that has been read as a possible clue about how they may handle left-back cover.

Hall’s last five league ratings at Newcastle average 6.16, which suggests steady form rather than a player forcing the issue with eye-catching numbers. Patrice Evra, speaking to goal.com, was also cautious about the comparison game, saying: "Hall is a good left back. But like I say, I don't like to be carried away."

United are still in the market, and Hall is still the name that links the two clubs. Newcastle’s position has not changed publicly, and Carrick’s comments keep the left-back chase active ahead of Deadline Day.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →