How one position change could allow Man Utd to sign Lewis Hall and promote Harry Amass

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Manchester United have a decision to make at left-back. There could be an alternative way forward.

Harry Amass has been a revelation in pre-season for Manchester United so far. The teenage left-back has been a standout performer in games against Wrexham and Rosenborg.

With tougher tests awaiting against Atletico Madrid and PSG, Amass has at least put himself in the conversation for 2026/27.

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The left-back situation

United will need an alternative to Luke Shaw. Last season Shaw started all 38 Premier League games for the first time in his career, but nobody is expecting him to do that twice, especially with Champions League fixtures in the mix.

Patrick Dorgu is now playing as a winger, which means Amass could step into deputise Shaw at left-back.

But there is another alternative, with United still considering a swoop for Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall.

Hall is a more ‘ready’ player than Amass right now, but United’s faith in the academy prospect could block a potential move.

However, there could be a way to utilise both players…

If you could only choose one, should Man Utd buy Lewis Hall or promote Harry Amass?

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Switch Luke Shaw to centre-back

Manchester United moving to sign Lewis Hall does not have to mean the end for Harry Amass’ hopes at United, long-term or even this season.

United could simply give Hall and Amass the left-back spot to share the minutes, by switching Luke Shaw to centre-back.

Shaw has played at centre-backs under multiple managers, from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to Erik ten Hag to Ruben Amorim. This has sometimes been in a three-man backline, but it has also been as part of a two-man defence.

Under Ten Hag, Shaw played as a centre-back in a two in home derby win over City, and in an away draw to Barcelona.

Centre-back is a position where United need depth due to Matthijs de Ligt’s injury battle and Lisandro Martinez, who has a bad injury record.

And while there is also Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven, there is still a sense that United need an additional centre-back.

Using Shaw as a fill-in option is the perfect solution, and would allow space for Amass to develop along with Hall.

There will be split opinion on whether Hall or Amass is the way forward for United, but this is one alternative way for United to look at it, and improve in the present – while also keeping a path open for Amass’ development.