Friday, March 27, 2026

^ ^ Manchester United given major hope of signing ‘incredible’ Arsenal star

Manchester United and Arsenal Club Crests
Man Utd have expressed interest in signing the Arsenal star (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United have been given hope of signing Myles Lewis-Skelly after placing the Arsenal star on their list of possible targets ahead of the summer transfer window.

It was reported by Sky Sports on Thursday that United had added Lewis-Skelly to their list of targets for the left-back position.

The Red Devils were linked with moves for Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown earlier in the week as they look to strengthen in that area of the pitch.

Luke Shaw has enjoyed an impressive and crucially injury-free season at Old Trafford but will be 31 by the time the 2026-27 season starts and has already played a lot of football.

Manchester United have no intention of selling Shaw but are wary of how he will fare if the team have European football to contend with on top of the domestic competitions next season.

United were fifth in the Premier League at the time of Ruben Amorim’s sacking in January but have climbed to third under caretaker boss Michael Carrick, meaning a return to the Champions League is likely.

Arsenal academy graduate Lewis-Skelly enjoyed a breakthrough season last year, making 39 appearances in all competitions and helping Mikel Arteta’s side challenge for the Premier League title and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.

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Arsenal v Wigan Athletic - Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round
Myles Lewis-Skelly could leave Arsenal this summer (Picture: Getty)

The 19-year-old was expected to kick on after signing a new five-year deal last summer but has endured a frustrating campaign, starting just one league game.

Lewis-Skelly has slipped behind Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie in Arteta’s pecking order and has been named as one Arsenal player who could potentially be moved on in the summer.

Gunners legend Alan Smith believes that is a genuine possibility and has claimed Arsenal would even be open to selling the teenager to Premier League rivals Manchester United.

Aston Villa v Liverpool FC - Premier League
Arsenal legend Alan Smith (Picture: Getty)

‘I think Arsenal would sell him now,’ Smith told BestBettingSites. ‘I mean, they could make a good profit given that he’s an academy player.

‘Two players ahead of him at Arsenal are Calafiori and Hincapie, who are better defenders. A bit like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Lewis-Skelly is not such a good defender.

‘So, United buying him, that’ll be interesting. I mean, look, who’s going to be the manager at United? Maybe he’s going to have a say in that.

Arsenal Training Session: Pre-Season Tour
Lewis-Skelly with Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta (Picture: Getty)

‘But Lewis-Skelly, that’s his best role, coming into that midfield. Luke Shaw has been really steady for United at left-back. He’s had a good season, ever-present.

‘So, it’ll be interesting to see whether Manchester United go for him. I think Arsenal would sell him to United, in all fairness.’

Lewis-Skelly’s regression has come as a huge surprise as he was named as the Young Player of the Season at the end of last year by legends Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher.

Neville described Lewis-Skelly’s breakthrough as ‘incredible’ while Carragher said his impact in the Champions League wins over Real Madrid reminded him of Wayne Rooney.

A year ago it looked like Lewis-Skelly would go to this summer’s World Cup with England but he was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s most recent squad.

While Manchester United target a new left-back, their priority remains a central midfielder, with the likes of Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton linked with moves to Old Trafford.

‘It’s going to be a big summer,’ ex-United captain Harry Maguire said earlier this week. ‘We need bodies in, bodies to help the squad. We know that.

‘We need improvement in the squad. It’s going to be a big recruitment in the management department and I’m sure that the hierarchy will get it right.’

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^ ^ Luis Enrique responds to Man Utd interest as Michael Carrick waits for offer

Paris Saint-Germain v FC Internazionale Milano - UEFA Champions League Final 2025
Enrique appears set to stay in France (Picture: Getty)

Luis Enrique will reject interest from Manchester United to sign a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain, leaving Michael Carrick as the front runner for the permanent job at Old Trafford.

Carrick was handed the reins after Ruben Amorim’s departure in January with the former midfielder leading United to seven wins from his 10 games in charge, losing just once.

The former Middlesbrough boss has put himself firmly in the frame for the job with qualification for next season’s Champions League in their sights.

United have also been considering other candidates however with Enrique thought to be one of the top picks to take over on a long-term basis.

The former Barcelona and Spain boss has a formidable reputation across Europe after leading PSG to their first European crown last season and has previously spoken of his desire to one day manage in England.

The i Paper report however the Spaniard will snub United’s interest with sources in the French capital convinced he will sign a new deal. Enrique’s current contract expires in 2027.

United have already seen other top candidates commit their futures elsewhere. Thomas Tuchel, who was interviewed for the role at Old Trafford two years ago, has signed a new contract with England through until after 2028.

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Manchester United v Aston Villa - Premier League
it leaves Carrick as the firm favourite for the United job (Picture: Getty)

Carlo Ancelotti is focused on preparing Brazil for this summer’s World Cup with the legendary coach also expected to sign a new contract.

Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann is another name to have been closely linked.

United’s turnaround under Carrick leaves him as the front runner for the job.

Under his guidance, Kobbie Mainoo has returned to the team after being exiled by Amorim with Harry Maguire also rediscovering his best form, back in the England squad for the first time since 2024.

Wes Brown predicts Man Utd's final games of the season

Manchester United have no other commitments other than their final nine games of the Premier League season.

Michael Carrick has guided them back into contention for Champions League qualification but the job is far from done.

Wes Brown knows better than most the demands placed upon a team at this stage of the season. The former United star gazes into his crystal ball to map out how the rest of the campaign unfolds.

Aston Villa (H)

This is the big game. Villa have been really struggling and they can't put opportunities away with their forwards out of form. I think United get the job done.

Verdict? Man Utd 1-0 Aston Villa

Everton v Manchester United - Premier League
Sesko's goals could be vital (Picture: Getty)

Bournemouth (A)

A tricky one but I think we get the win down there.

Verdict? Bournemouth 0-2 Man Utd

Leeds (H)

I will go for a draw here. There is a long break between the two fixtures, both teams will be fresh but I just have a feeling about this one.

Verdict? Man Utd 1-1 Leeds

Chelsea (A)

This is the one. On their day, Chelsea play well and can beat you, even with 10 men. But if we have momentum going into that, the pressure is all on Chelsea at home. They are getting results but the crowd there aren't too happy, are they. They are not consistent.

Verdict? Chelsea 2-3 Man Utd

Manchester United v Fulham - Premier League
Carrick has United back in the European race (Picture: Getty)

Brentford (H)

Another tricky game but but United will win here.

Verdict? Man Utd 1-0 Brentford

Liverpool (H)

Tricky, of course. Both will be scrapping for that top five and I think it will be a very tough game. Liverpool might still be fighting in the FA Cup and Champions League. But it will be tough.

Verdict? Man Utd 2-2 Liverpool

Sunderland (A)

United have a good record at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland have shown how hard they can make it so it will be hard but I fancy United to nick it.

Verdict? Sunderland 0-1 Man Utd

Manchester United v Crystal Palace - Premier League
Can Carrick get the job done? (Picture: Getty)

Nottingham Forest (H)

If Forest need something, it will be tough. But a defeat could send them down. I predicted them to go down at the beginning of the season so this should be all three points in the last home game of the season.

Verdict? Man Utd.2-0 Nottingham Forest

Brighton (A)

Could things be wrapped up by then? I'm not sure. Brighton away is always difficult so I think it's a draw to see out the season.

Verdict? Brighton 1-1 Man Utd

‘We’ve got to finish strong, and I think [Carrick] should go right into the mix of the other candidates [for the permanent job] and let the process begin,’ the former United captain said.

‘I’m sure it will do, and I’m sure it’s going to be a thorough process. It’s going to be a big summer. We need bodies in, bodies to help the squad. We know that.

‘We need improvement in the squad. It’s going to be a big recruitment in the management department, and I’m sure that the hierarchy will get it right.’


^ ^ England vs Uruguay: The experimental starting XI Thomas Tuchel could name tonight

FBL-FRIENDLY-ENG-TRAINING
Tuchel named a 35-man squad for games against Uruguay and Japan (Picture: Getty)

Thomas Tuchel will named a much-changed England side against Uruguay tonight.

With this summer’s World Cup now looming large, the Three Lions boss named a huge 35-man squad for tonight’s game and next week’s clash with Japan in order to get a closer look at as many players as possible.

The squad has effectively been split in two with those who have had hectic schedules back with their clubs given a breather this week and will not be involved in tonight’s game at Wembley.

A host of names you’d expect to see in Tuchel’s first choice XI are included in that group in Dean Henderson, Dan Burn, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Nico O’Reilly, Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka. None of those names will be involved tonight.

Those pushing for a spot on the plane to North America this summer will have the chance to shine with Tino Libramento, Lewis Hall and Adam Wharton among the young stars expected to start.

Harry Maguire is back in the England squad for the first time since September 2024 after his excellent form under Michael Carrick at Manchester United.

The 33-year-old was a pivotal figure under Gareth Southgate and will hope to force his way back into the first-team picture.

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Metro's Head of Sport James Goldman delivers punchy analysis, transfer talk and his take on the week's biggest stories direct to your inbox every week.

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FBL-FRIENDLY-ENG-TRAINING
Plenty of Tuchel’s preferred options will not be involved tonight (Picture: Getty)

While Rice and Elliot are expected to be the first choice midfield pairing this summer, James Garner and Kobbie Mainoo offer valuable alternatives and are also among those hoping to get a chance.

With Kane not expected to be involved, Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin will have the chance to impress Tuchel. Ollie Watkins was left out of the squad for this week’s games with Tuchel eager to take a look at other options who can serve as Kane’s understudy this summer.

Phil Foden and Cole Palmer are also in contention to start tonight with both stars enduring difficult seasons for Manchester City and Chelsea respectively.

England XI to face Uruguay – Metro prediction

As he has been doing for Arsenal, Noni Madueke will hope for the chance to continue impressing on the right with Marcus Rashford an option on the left.

England vs Uruguay TV channel, live stream and kick-off time

England vs Uruguay kicks off at 7:45pm tonight.

The match is available to watch live on ITV1 and ITVX.


^ ^ Ian Wright names Arsenal star Mikel Arteta must start playing to address huge problem

Arsenal v Manchester City - Carabao Cup Final
Wright wants to see much more of the Arsenal star (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has urged Mikel Arteta to turn to Myles Lewis-Skelly again after his snub in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.

After a breakout campaign for club and country last season, Lewis-Skelly has been the forgotten man at Arsenal this season. The 19-year-old has started just one Premier League match having not made a single appearance in the league since early January.

When Riccardo Calafiori is not available, Arteta has frequently turned to Piero Hincapie to fill in at left-back, leaving the teenager third-choice in the position he excelled in a year ago. Lewis-Skelly was again overlooked on Sunday at Wembley, failing to come off the bench as he watched Nico O’Reilly win the game for City.

This time last year, Lewis-Skelly was starring for Arsenal in their Champions League quarter-final clashes with Real Madrid.

Recalling those performances, Wright believes the youngster’s ability to come inside and help build from the back could have changed things for Arsenal last Sunday and is eager to see him play a more prominent role in the season run-in.

‘I’ve mentioned Myles Lewis-Skelly when he played against Real Madrid last time, had an unbelievable game,’ Wright told The Overlap.

‘Then he’s kind of been dropped back out of it, and I’m thinking in that game, on Sunday, a left-back who can invert what we need is somebody comfortable on the ball.

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Metro's Head of Sport James Goldman delivers punchy analysis, transfer talk and his take on the week's biggest stories direct to your inbox every week.

Sign up here, it's an open goal.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg
Lewis-Skelly is also on Manchester United’s radar (Picture: Getty Images)

‘That’s the game he should be playing in, because then he’s somebody who can get on the ball, and at least we can link.’

Asked by Gary Neville about Lewis-Skelly now being third-choice, Wright added: ‘There’s no way, Myles Lewis-Skelly, the way he started his career, he hasn’t got the capability to go on and do… I’m not saying he’s gonna do exactly what O’Reilly’s done, but the confidence it gives him in playing is going be a lot probably more confident than he is right now.

FC Internazionale Milano v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7
Lewis-Skelly has started just one league match this season (Picture: Getty)

‘He can’t get into the team at the moment, whether it’s behind Hincapie or if it’s behind Calafiori. This guy is a footballer. We needed a footballer on Sunday, and those are the things that I’m sitting there watching us do, watching us do nothing.

‘I’m thinking to myself, if the Arsenal fans saw someone like him come on and do a couple of things, everybody, it gets us going, it gets people going again. That’s a disappointment for me.’

Lewis-Skelly signed a new long-term contract last year but has been linked with a move to Manchester United as a long-term replacement for Luke Shaw.


^ ^ Manchester United given major hope of signing ‘incredible’ Arsenal star

Man Utd have expressed interest in signing the Arsenal star (Picture: Getty) Manchester United have been given hope of signing Myles Le...