Paul Scholes Calls on Manchester United to Sign £75m Newcastle Defender Amid Luke Shaw’s Struggles
Paul Scholes, the Manchester United legend, has pressed his former club to consider signing Lewis Hall from Newcastle United for £75 million. This comes after watching Luke Shaw struggle defensively during United’s recent Premier League match.
Concerns Over Defensive Performance
Despite a thrilling 5-2 win against Ipswich Town at Old Trafford, Scholes voiced serious doubts about the defensive solidity of Michael Carrick’s squad. Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes was straightforward about the team's issues.
“I think United would have accepted going 1-0 down considering how they played in the first half. It could easily have been two or three goals against us,” Scholes said. “What we saw sums up what United might deliver this season. They were almost two or three goals behind, yet came back devastatingly strong in the second half.”
Potential Transfer Fee and Newcastle's Stance
Hall, 21, has long been on Manchester United’s radar, but Newcastle have resisted selling one of their prized young defenders. Reports indicate the Magpies could change their mind if a bid of around £75 million arrives before the transfer window closes.
Shaw’s Difficult Display as a Trigger
Scholes feels that Shaw’s tough outing against Ipswich winger Abdul Fatawu might push Carrick to demand reinforcements immediately.
“This isn’t just about the last couple of days; these conversations have been happening for months,” Scholes remarked. “Shaw’s performance yesterday might be the wake-up call Michael needs to say ‘we need him’. Hall could be the most realistic option out there.”
Rio Ferdinand Defends Shaw
In contrast, Rio Ferdinand has taken a more cautious view on Shaw’s situation. While acknowledging the left-back’s poor game against Ipswich, Ferdinand praised Shaw’s consistency over the past year.
“Some fans are saying ‘get rid of Shaw’, but he’s been one of our most consistent players recently,” Ferdinand explained on his YouTube channel. “We should look for a left-back to gradually replace him, not rush to find someone right now.”
Other Transfer Options Under Consideration
With the transfer deadline near, Manchester United is reportedly exploring several alternatives beyond Hall. If the £75 million price tag proves too steep, scouting efforts have focused on other candidates like Brighton’s Ferdi Kadioglu, Aston Villa’s Ian Maatsen, and Racing Santander’s Jorge Salinas. A loan deal might be the most feasible given United’s prior summer spending in midfield.
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