Manchester United aims to sign a League One defender for £10 million, capable of playing both center-back and left-back—covering two roles. Hall is too pricey.

Manchester United is not intending to bring in a center-back during the summer window. However, if a young, versatile defender who can also play left-back and has English homegrown status becomes available, the situation could be different. Owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is very fond of such young players and is prepared to make a move.

In April, Manchester United extended the contract of veteran Harry Maguire. The center-back group of Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martínez, Leny Yoro, and Ayden Heaven is already quite sufficient. Of course, De Ligt's back injury and surgery have not yet fully healed, making his condition for the new season uncertain; Martínez played in the World Cup final, which could also affect his fitness next season. Therefore, if an additional versatile defender is available, Carrick would be very welcome.

According to the Daily Mail, after Leicester City were relegated from the Championship to League One last season, Ben Nelson has requested a transfer. He has attracted interest not only from Manchester United but also from Serie A side Torino, Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach, and newly relegated West Ham United.

Nelson has only one year left on his contract, and since he is determined to leave, Leicester City are forced to sell. Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Torino's bid of €7 million (around £6 million) has been rejected. British media say the "Foxes" are asking for £10 million, which deters non-English clubs, but for Manchester United it is a very cost-effective price. Sources say Nelson hopes to join a top club, and Manchester United is the most attractive option for him.

Nelson stands 1.95 meters tall and is very versatile, capable of playing both left center-back and left-back. As an England U20 international, he made 24 appearances in the Championship last season, averaging 1.6 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, and 7 clearances per game. In 27 appearances across all competitions, he also scored 2 goals.

Manchester United need to find a successor for Luke Shaw. The "English Roberto Carlos" has already passed his 31st birthday, and his contract expires next summer. The Red Devils have been linked with Newcastle United's English player Lewis Hall, but Newcastle have sold Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, and may also sell captain Bruno Guimarães, meaning they are well-funded and won't easily sell players.

Therefore, to acquire Hall, Manchester United would need to pay at least £55 million in transfer fees, which they may not be able to afford this summer. Transfer expert Ben Jacobs said: "Hall will have discussions with Eddie Howe and Newcastle's management to make a decision. He wants to be a regular starter, whether at Newcastle or elsewhere."

Hall may also be using Manchester United's interest to secure a better position and salary. Jacobs added: "Hall knows Manchester United are interested in him. It is understood that he will either stay at Newcastle and sign a new contract, or be sold to Manchester United. Additionally, United have considered other defensive options, such as Inter Milan's Carlos Augusto, and have also evaluated some young players like Oliver Scarles. The club's priority is to find a player who can become a regular starter."

Manchester United's left flank is still full of uncertainty for the new season. With Marcus Rashford's future undecided, Danish international Patrick Dorgu does not yet know his exact position. In the first pre-season friendly, he was deployed as a left winger, but if no backup for Luke Shaw is signed, he will have to compete with right-back Noussair Mazraoui, youngster Harry Amass, and Diego León for the left-back backup role.

In contrast, Manchester United's right flank will remain unchanged. Diogo Dalot and Mazraoui compete for the right-back position, while Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo battle for the right winger starting spot? Actually the original says "左边锋" but context suggests right wing? Wait, original text: "姆贝莫与阿马德·迪亚洛则为左边锋首发而战" - but note: Mbeumo is right winger, Diallo also right winger? Actually original says "左边锋" but it's likely a mistake. I'll keep as per original: "left winger". Romano confirmed that Manchester United are not considering selling Amad. Although Newcastle, Brighton, and AC Milan have shown interest, Carrick will not agree to his sale. "Amad's team was informed of United's stance in June: he will not be sold this summer. Despite interest from several clubs, United have stated they will retain and trust Amad."