Manchester United refuse to give up on Myles Lewis-Skelly as Arsenal youngster emerges as left-back target for Michael Carrick

According to The Sun, Manchester United are refusing to give up on their pursuit of Lewis-Skelly, as the Arsenal youngster has emerged as a priority left-back target for Michael Carrick. The Red Devils are in the market for defensive reinforcements following a difficult start to the Premier League campaign, which included a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Hull City.

The interest from Manchester is nothing new, but the urgency has increased as the September 1 deadline approaches. United officials believe that despite the player's recent involvement in North London, there may still be a window of opportunity to strike a deal.

Despite the growing noise from Manchester, Arteta has been characteristically firm regarding the future of one of his brightest academy prospects. The Spaniard has moved to end any speculation, stating he is 100 per cent confident that the 19-year-old will remain at the club beyond the summer transfer deadline.

Addressing whether it is important to keep academy players despite potential financial benefits, Arteta said: "Certainly. The players that have been raised in our system and genuinely feel that love and connection with the club bring something else. There is no question about that. We need to look after them in a really special way because they bring value that is very difficult to find.

The need for a new left-back at Old Trafford has been exacerbated by the situation surrounding Luke Shaw. The England international is now into his 13th season at the club and has entered the final year of his contract, which notably does not include the option for an additional year.

With Shaw’s long-term future uncertain and injuries continuing to plague the squad, Carrick is desperate for a fresh face. United had previously identified Newcastle’s Lewis Hall as a primary target, but the Magpies have resisted all approaches after already sanctioning several high-profile departures this summer.

The club’s desperation for a specialist in that position was evident during their tactical struggles against Hull. While Patrick Dorgu, Diogo Dalot, and Noussair Mazraoui provide some cover, none are considered the long-term solution Carrick desires for the left side of his defence.

Lewis-Skelly’s rise to prominence has been defined by his tactical evolution. Having initially caught the eye as a dynamic midfielder, he successfully transitioned into a senior left-back role during the 2024-25 season.

This versatility is exactly what Arteta wants to keep, and exactly what Carrick wants to acquire. Arteta noted the importance of protecting such talents, stating: "That's why, when we can, we want to protect those assets as much as possible. Develop them and make them extremely important for the club.