Manchester United’s search for a new left-back could be entering a new phase, with Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall reportedly viewed as the club’s primary target for the position. However, a deal increasingly looks difficult, with Newcastle expected to resist any approach for the England international. The Magpies have already seen star players Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes leave for blockbuster deals this summer, making another major departure particularly difficult to accept. Tonali joined Tottenham for a reported £100 million, while Guimaraes has completed his move to Arsenal for £75 million.
That situation could force Manchester United to explore alternatives. Here are five left-backs who could emerge as options if the Lewis Hall transfer remains off the table.
1. Antonee Robinson – Fulham
Antonee Robinson would arguably be one of the most Premier League-proven alternatives available to Manchester United.
The Fulham left-back has established himself as one of the division’s most dangerous attacking defenders, particularly during the 2024/25 campaign. Robinson recorded 10 Premier League assists that season, the highest total among defenders in England’s top flight at the time, while also creating 33 chances.
The American international has previously attracted interest from Liverpool, underlining his reputation among the Premier League’s biggest clubs. His pace, attacking aggression and ability to provide width would make him a natural fit for a United side that needs more consistent production from the left flank.
At 28, Robinson would not necessarily represent the same long-term investment as Hall, but he could provide immediate Premier League quality and experience.
2. Adrien Truffert – Bournemouth
Adrien Truffert could be one of the more intriguing options on United’s shortlist.
Bournemouth signed the French left-back ahead of the 2025/26 season as part of their reshaping of the position following Milos Kerkez’s move to Liverpool. While Kerkez endured a difficult first season at Anfield, Truffert quickly established himself as an important player at Bournemouth.
His debut campaign was particularly impressive, with Truffert becoming one of the most frequently used members of Andoni Iraola’s side. Bournemouth’s own statistics credit him with 33 appearances, three assists and more than 2,800 minutes, while other statistical databases record even stronger attacking numbers.
The problem for United would be convincing Bournemouth to sell. The Cherries have made it clear that they want to retain key players amid growing interest in their squad. Alex Scott is a major example, with Bournemouth determined to resist approaches for the midfielder despite interest from Premier League and European clubs.
3. Neco Williams – Nottingham Forest
Neco Williams could offer United a more versatile alternative.
The Nottingham Forest defender was one of the club’s better performers during their difficult 2025/26 Premier League campaign and contributed two goals and three assists in the league.
His versatility is particularly attractive. Williams can operate as a conventional full-back or push higher up the pitch, giving a manager additional tactical flexibility.
United would also be buying a player with considerable Premier League experience who is entering his prime years. However, Forest may not be particularly eager to lose another important squad member, especially after the instability surrounding the club over the previous campaign.
4. Pervis Estupiñán – AC Milan
Pervis Estupiñán represents the biggest gamble on this list but potentially one of the most intriguing.
The Ecuadorian left-back was heavily linked with a move to Aston Villa, where Unai Emery knows him from their time together at Villarreal. Milan have reportedly been negotiating over a possible departure, meaning a move could still be possible.
There was a time when Estupiñán was genuinely regarded as one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking defenders. During his Brighton peak, Roberto De Zerbi described him as one of the club’s most important players and suggested he had the potential to become one of the world’s best left-backs. He also registered seven assists in his first 37 Premier League appearances for Brighton.
His form has since dipped, making a move for him a calculated gamble. But if United believe they can revive his Brighton-level performances, Estupiñán could offer considerable upside.
5. David Raum – RB Leipzig
David Raum could be the most realistic high-level alternative to Hall.
Manchester United have been linked with the Germany international, with The Athletic confirming their genuine interest in the player.
Raum brings exactly the kind of attacking qualities United could use from the left-back position. He recorded three goals and seven assists last season and is particularly renowned for his crossing and delivery from wide areas.
Reports have suggested that Raum has a £34 million release clause, potentially making him significantly more attainable than Hall. He could also reunite with former RB Leipzig teammate Benjamin Sesko at Old Trafford, giving United an interesting attacking combination. Raum’s crossing could be particularly valuable for a striker such as Sesko, who thrives on service into the box.
Which Lewis Hall alternative should Manchester United choose?
If Manchester United cannot prise Lewis Hall away from Newcastle, David Raum looks like the most obvious replacement target. He combines experience, attacking production and a potentially manageable price tag.
Robinson would offer Premier League reliability; Truffert provides long-term upside; Williams brings versatility, while Estupiñán represents a high-risk, high-reward option.
For United, however, the priority should be finding a left-back capable of becoming a genuine first-choice player rather than simply adding another body to the squad. With Newcastle making Hall increasingly difficult to sign, their next decision could shape the left side of their team for years to come.
