Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has called on his former club to make a late push for Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall, arguing that the England international could provide a significant upgrade to Michael Carrick’s squad.
United have been linked with Hall for much of the summer transfer window, with the left-back emerging as one of the names reportedly being considered as the Red Devils assess their defensive options. However, any potential move has appeared increasingly difficult, particularly after Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle firmly dismissed suggestions that the 13-time Premier League champions could prise the defender away from St James’ Park.
The speculation surrounding Hall intensified last week when Manchester United great Peter Schmeichel suggested that a deal could potentially be possible before the transfer deadline. Jaissle, however, was quick to shut down those suggestions, insisting there was “no chance” of Hall leaving Newcastle before the summer window closes at 11pm on Tuesday.
That stance will come as a major boost to Newcastle, who view Hall as an important part of their long-term plans. The 21-year-old has established himself as a key option on the left side of the defence since arriving from Chelsea, and reports have suggested that the Magpies are also working on a new contract for the former academy product.
A fresh long-term agreement would underline Newcastle’s determination to keep Hall at the club and would give Jaissle another important building block as he attempts to develop his side following his arrival at St James’ Park.
Despite Newcastle’s position, Scholes believes Manchester United should at least explore the possibility of making a late approach. The former midfielder feels Hall could be a realistic target compared with some of the other players United may have considered during the summer and believes the defender would strengthen the team.
Scholes’ comments come after Luke Shaw endured a difficult opening week to the new Premier League campaign. The experienced England international has once again been trusted to operate at left-back, but his performance against Ipswich raised further questions over whether United have enough quality and consistency in that position.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes explained why Hall could suddenly become an attractive option for United.
“I think [Manchester] United would have taken going 1-0 down, the way they played in the first half. It could have been two or three,” Scholes said.
“What we saw yesterday, I think that sums up what you’re going to get from United. They could have been two or three down but also, you look at the second half, and they were devastating. They are absolutely devastating going forward.
“Do you know one thing that might help Michael? Luke Shaw getting done yesterday [against Ipswich] like he did. So he might go, ‘Look, we need him’, and you think Lewis Hall might be the most doable who is out there and available.
“You would have thought some work on that has been done. The amount of rumours there have been, you would have thought some work on that has been done.”
Scholes’ argument is essentially that Hall represents a potentially attainable solution to a position that Manchester United may need to strengthen. While the club have invested heavily in several areas of the squad, left-back remains an area where questions over reliability and depth continue to linger.
Hall, meanwhile, offers a combination of youth, athleticism and Premier League experience that could make him an appealing long-term option. His ability to operate as both a conventional left-back and a more advanced player also gives a manager tactical flexibility.
For Newcastle, though, the situation appears considerably clearer. Jaissle’s public declaration that Hall will not leave suggests the Magpies have little intention of entertaining a late offer, particularly with the transfer deadline rapidly approaching.
Newcastle are attempting to build momentum under their new head coach, and allowing one of their promising young defenders to leave at such a late stage would create an unnecessary problem. The possibility of a new contract would make Hall’s position even more secure and could effectively end United’s hopes of completing a deal.
Manchester United therefore face a race against time if they genuinely intend to pursue the defender. Scholes’ comments may increase the pressure on the club to act, but Newcastle’s determination to retain Hall means any last-minute attempt is likely to be extremely difficult.
For now, United may have to look elsewhere. However, if Scholes gets his wish, the Red Devils could yet make one final attempt to test Newcastle’s resolve before the transfer window closes.
