Roy Keane has urged Manchester United against signing Newcastle United star Lewis Hall as the club continue searching for a solution to their left-back problems.
The Red Devils strengthened their midfield during the summer transfer window with the additions of Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba. However, their pursuit of a new left-back came to nothing before the window closed.
Hall had emerged as United’s leading target for the position, but Newcastle stood firm in their stance that he would not be sold this summer after already losing Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes earlier in the window.
United remained interested in completing a late move, with the 21-year-old reportedly valued at around £75m and open to the prospect of joining the Old Trafford club.
However, speaking on the Stick to Football Podcast, United legend Keane made it clear that he does not believe Hall is the right player to fix the club’s defensive issues.
“I don’t think Hall is the answer. He’s not bad, don’t get me wrong. I don’t think he’s a good defender,” Keane said.
“Of course you want him to be comfortable in possession, of course, but first and foremost, they can defend because that’s what your challenge is now.
“Whatever it is with your attacking players, listen lads, two midfielders and an attacking four, go and win us the game, but we’ve got to be solid defensively, even if it’s sacrificing being good on the ball.”
Man Utd Need Shaw Replacement
Luke Shaw remains Manchester United’s first-choice option at left-back, but concerns continue to surround his fitness, particularly with the club facing a demanding schedule of three matches per week for much of the campaign following their Champions League qualification.
The England international is also entering the final year of his contract, with no automatic extension clause available, making the left-back position an increasingly important issue for United to address in future transfer windows.
Keane understands the level expected at Old Trafford and the qualities required to succeed at the club. His concerns over Hall could therefore give United’s recruitment team something to consider over the next 12 months as they continue weighing up their options for a long-term replacement for Shaw.