Former Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley has urged the club to intensify their pursuit of Newcastle United's Lewis Hall, insisting the 21-year-old would be the 'perfect' addition to Michael Carrick's squad. Bardsley's comments come as United continue their summer transfer business, having already secured midfield reinforcements Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans for a combined fee of around £83 million.
United's left-back conundrum
Despite those additions, United's transfer ambitions remain unfulfilled, with the club desperate to close the gap on Arsenal and Manchester City after a strong end to last season under Carrick. The primary focus now is left-back, with Luke Shaw the only recognised specialist in that position. Harry Amass is expected to leave on loan again this season, leaving Carrick with limited options.
England international Hall has emerged as United's top target following three impressive seasons at St James' Park. However, Newcastle are insistent that the sought-after defender is not for sale, despite Hall reportedly being 'keen' on a move to Old Trafford. This has forced United to consider alternatives, including Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly, Racing Santander's Jorge Salinas, and Fulham's Antonee Robinson.
Bardsley's verdict: Hall is the perfect fit
Bardsley, who played for United, Sunderland, and Scotland, believes United should not give up on Hall without a fight. Speaking to Casinolyze, he said: 'There's still time in the transfer window but they need at least one more midfielder, someone who is more defensively-minded, and another left-back. Luke Shaw has looked sharp in pre-season but with his injury record you always worry. I don't think you can always rely on him for a full season, especially when United are back in the Champions League, because of the amount of games they'll have to play.'
'Lewis Hall from Newcastle United would be the perfect fit. It's just a question of getting him out of Newcastle United this summer when they've already sold so many players and lost Eddie Howe. He's a Premier League proven player though and a great age. I think the way he plays suits Manchester United to a tee.'
Why Hall over Lewis-Skelly?
Bardsley is adamant that Hall would be a more sensible signing than Lewis-Skelly, despite the Arsenal youngster's undeniable talent. 'I prefer Lewis Hall to Myles Lewis-Skelly when you look at what Manchester United need this summer. Hall is better suited to playing left-back,' he added.
'I think if you look at Lewis-Skelly, he's a much better player when you play him in midfield, and I don't think United need another young player going into the middle of the park. They need a proven defensive midfielder who's got that experience to come in and own that position.'
Bardsley acknowledged Lewis-Skelly's quality, noting: 'Listen, he's a quality player. There's no doubt about it. He won the Premier League last season and started in a Champions League final in midfield. But for me, if I had to pick between the two of them, it's Lewis Hall every day of the week and twice on Sunday.'
United's transfer strategy
United's summer business has been focused on addressing key areas, with the midfield already strengthened by Santos and Tielemans. However, the club's hierarchy is keen to further bolster the squad to compete on all fronts, particularly with Champions League football returning to Old Trafford.
The left-back position is now a priority, and Hall's Premier League experience and age make him an attractive option. However, Newcastle's resistance could force United to look elsewhere, with Lewis-Skelly and Robinson among the alternatives being considered.
As the transfer window progresses, United fans will be watching closely to see whether the club can secure their preferred target or will have to settle for a Plan B. Bardsley's comments add weight to the argument that Hall should be the primary focus, given his suitability for Carrick's system.
