United priced out of Lewis-Skelly as Villa circle Zirkzee after Hull humiliation

Manchester United’s summer transfer window took on fresh urgency after a 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Hull City on the opening day of the Premier League season, a result that exposed the squad’s thin depth ahead of a Champions League campaign.

United had been linked with Arsenal left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly as a priority signing, but The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports the Gunners’ asking price was deemed “too high” by the club, prompting them to redirect their focus toward Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, who is now reportedly on his way to Old Trafford. Newcastle’s Lewis Hall was also considered, but United were again deterred by the fee involved. Hall is now said to be in talks over a new contract at St James’ Park and a role in the leadership group under new manager Matthias Jaissle.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has since declared he is “100 per cent” certain Lewis-Skelly will stay at the club, effectively closing that avenue.

On the outgoing side, Joshua Zirkzee appears increasingly likely to leave following a difficult spell at Old Trafford. Aston Villa have reportedly made early contact with United about the Dutch striker’s availability, according to Fabrizio Romano, who described their interest as at an initial stage. A proposed move to Napoli has stalled while the Serie A club work to offload a player first, opening the door for alternative suitors.

Villa have significantly reshaped their squad this summer, with Lucas Digne, Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa, and Youri Tielemans all departing, while former United players Alejandro Garnacho and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have arrived at Villa Park.

United have already added Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Tielemans from Villa to their midfield this summer, with Baleba set to follow. The transfer window closes on September 1, leaving the club a narrow window to address the left-back position and any other areas the Hull defeat brought into focus.