Manchester United have not given up hope of signing Myles Lewis-Skelly, with the Arsenal youngster emerging as a left-back option for Michael Carrick.

United still believe Arsenal could be convinced to let the versatile young talent leave before the transfer window closes. Even though the teenager has broken into Mikel Arteta’s starting XI in the opening weeks of the season, the Red Devils are continuing with their pursuit.

Carrick eyes Arsenal prodigy to strengthen defence

According to The Sun, Manchester United are pressing on with their attempt to land Lewis-Skelly, with the Arsenal youngster now viewed as a priority target at left-back for Michael Carrick. The Red Devils are looking to add defensive reinforcements after a difficult opening to their Premier League campaign, which included a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Hull City.

Interest from Manchester is not new, but the situation has become more urgent with the 1 September deadline drawing closer. United officials feel that, despite the player’s recent involvement in North London, there may still be an opportunity to complete a deal.

Arteta remains firm over Lewis-Skelly’s future

Despite increasing speculation from Manchester, Arteta has been typically clear about the future of one of Arsenal’s most promising academy products. The Spaniard has sought to shut down the rumours, saying he is 100 per cent certain that the 19-year-old will stay at the club beyond the summer transfer deadline.

Speaking on whether it is important to retain academy players despite the possible financial gain from selling them, 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.

United’s search for left-back answers gathers pace

The need for a new left-back at Old Trafford has been made more pressing by Luke Shaw’s situation. The England international is now in his 13th season at the club and has moved into the final year of his contract, which notably does not contain an option for a further year.

With Shaw’s long-term future unclear and injuries continuing to affect the squad, Carrick is keen to bring in a new option. United had earlier identified Newcastle’s Lewis Hall as a leading target, but the Magpies have turned away all approaches after already approving several major departures this summer.

The club’s urgency for a specialist in that role was clear during their tactical problems against Hull. Although Patrick Dorgu, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui can offer cover, none of them is seen as the long-term answer Carrick wants on the left side of his defence.

Lewis-Skelly’s tactical development

Lewis-Skelly’s emergence has been shaped by his tactical development. After first standing out as an energetic midfielder, he made a successful switch into a senior left-back role during the 2024-25 season.

That versatility is exactly why Arteta wants to keep him, and exactly why Carrick wants to sign him. Arteta underlined the need to safeguard such players, saying: "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.