Manchester United are facing a period of significant upheaval, and the club's transfer plans are already taking shape regardless of who sits in the dugout next season.

The immediate trigger is a damaging 3-0 Premier League defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday, a result that has placed head coach Michael Carrick's position under serious scrutiny. Should United move on from Carrick, technical director Jason Wilcox is believed to favour former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe as the leading realistic candidate — ahead of Julian Nagelsmann.

Hall back in United's sights

Whether or not Howe gets the call, Manchester United's transfer priority heading into the summer appears clear. The Red Devils are reportedly keen to revisit their pursuit of Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall, a player Howe himself developed during his time at St James' Park.

United tracked Hall through the summer transfer window but ultimately directed their spending toward midfield reinforcements. According to Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke, that appetite for the England international has not cooled. O'Rourke reports that Hall remains a primary target for the club, who should anticipate paying at least £70 million to land him next summer.

Hall signed a new contract at Newcastle United that runs until 2031, a deal that hands the Magpies full control over his future and ensures any transfer will happen strictly on their terms. O'Rourke notes that despite the long-term tie-in, it has done little to dampen Manchester United's long-standing interest in bringing him to Old Trafford.

A position of urgent need

Former Manchester United full-back Gary Neville has been vocal about the club's defensive deficiencies, labelling the lack of investment in that area during the summer as