Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has urged his former club to revive their interest in Newcastle United defender Lewis Hall after raising concerns over Luke Shaw's difficult start to the new campaign. United may have secured an entertaining 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town at Old Trafford, but Scholes believes the result masked serious defensive weaknesses in Michael Carrick's side.
Key Highlights:
- Paul Scholes has urged Manchester United to reignite their interest in Lewis Hall.
- Luke Shaw came under scrutiny after struggling against Ipswich Town winger Abdul Fatawu.
- Newcastle United could reportedly consider a late Hall deal for a bid exceeding £75 million.
- United are also monitoring Ferdi Kadioglu, Ian Maatsen, and Jorge Salinas as alternative left-back options.
Scholes Identifies United's Defensive Weakness
Despite United's five-goal victory over Ipswich, Scholes believes the performance highlighted why the club still need defensive reinforcements.
Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, the former midfielder admitted United were fortunate not to find themselves further behind after a difficult opening period. "I think United would have taken going 1-0 down, the way they played in the first half. It could have been two or three."
Scholes added that the match ultimately summed up what supporters can expect from Carrick's side, with United capable of looking vulnerable defensively before producing devastating attacking spells. "They could have been two or three down but also, you look at the second half, and they were devastating."
Lewis Hall Could Be the Answer
Lewis Hall has long been a target for United's recruitment team, but Newcastle have consistently resisted approaches for the highly rated 21-year-old. The Magpies regard Hall as one of their "untouchables", although reports suggest their stance could soften if United are prepared to make a substantial financial commitment.
Newcastle could reportedly consider a late offer exceeding £75 million, potentially giving United one final opportunity to bring the defender to Old Trafford before the transfer window closes. Scholes believes Shaw's struggles against Abdul Fatawu could strengthen Carrick's case for another defensive addition.
Asked whether United need reinforcements, Scholes replied: "100 per cent. That will have been going on for months, you’re not just talking the last couple of days."
He suggested that seeing Shaw exposed against Ipswich could prompt Carrick to push the club's hierarchy into action. "Shaw getting done yesterday [against Ipswich] like he did. So he might go, 'Look, we need him', and you think Hall might be the most doable who is out there and available."
Ferdinand Defends Luke Shaw
While Scholes wants United to strengthen at left-back, former defender Rio Ferdinand has taken a more measured view of Shaw's situation. Ferdinand acknowledged that Shaw produced a "below-par" performance against Ipswich but stressed that the England international has remained one of United's most consistent performers over the past year.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand pushed back against calls for Shaw to be immediately replaced. "Shaw, over the last year, has been one of our most consistent performers."
Rather than pushing for Shaw's immediate departure, Ferdinand believes United should sign a long-term successor who can gradually establish himself in the position. His preference is for the club to find a new left-back who can be bedded in over time and eventually take over from Shaw, rather than simply discarding an experienced player after one poor performance.
United Assess Alternative Left-Back Targets
With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Manchester United are reportedly exploring several alternatives should a deal for Hall prove too expensive. The club have reportedly assessed Brighton's Ferdi Kadioglu, Aston Villa's Ian Maatsen, and Racing Santander's Jorge Salinas as potential solutions to their left-back problem.
Given the significant investment United have already made in midfield earlier this summer, a loan deal could ultimately prove to be the most realistic option. With time running out, Carrick and United's recruitment team must now decide whether to make one final push for Hall or pursue a more financially viable alternative before the window closes.
