Bryan Robson explains why Man United should sign highly-rated PL full-back

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Manchester United legend Bryan Robson has explained why his former club must make a move for Lewis Hall. The Red Devils remain linked with the Newcastle United left-back as they lay down succession plans for Luke Shaw.

The veteran full-back is coming off an impressive campaign, during which he was an indispensable member of the first team. However, Shaw’s poor injury record and his dismal performance against Hull City last weekend have further strengthened the calls for a new left-back.

The 31 year old is also in the final year of his contract at Old Trafford and is yet to sign a new deal. Shaw started every game in the league last season, a feat that has been achieved by only four other United players in the Premier League era.

While he is the longest-serving player in the current squad, INEOS will have to consider succession plans soon. Robson has now explained why Hall could be the perfect candidate for the job.

Robson wants Hall at Old Trafford

Speaking to talkSPORT, Robson pointed out that United need to have two players in every position to compete in all tournaments. He said: “If you stay in the Cup competitions and you’ve got the Champions League, you’ve got a lot of games in the season, and so you more or less always have to have two players who are decent in the same position.”

The Red Devils are currently a little light at left-back, with Patrick Dorgu deployed in an attacking role by Michael Carrick so far. Meanwhile, Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot are makeshift options for the position, so targeting a new left-back in the final days of the summer does make sense.

Robson believes that Hall would be a fantastic addition to the squad, but acknowledges that the financial repercussions of investing in midfield could affect the move. He continued: “Luke Shaw is a terrific player, but Hall would be a good addition to our squad.”

“But you never know with his [financial] fair play and everything whether you’ve got the money to buy somebody like him when you’ve just spent £70 million [on Baleba]. We’ve spent money before that, so it’s a balancing act in where you think it’s most important.”

Hall has pace to burn and loves to run forward, qualities that have endeared him to the Old Trafford hierarchy. However, all signs indicate that prising him away from St. James’ Park in the final week of the summer will be very tough.

Lewis Hall Stats: 2025/26 Season

United can bridge the gap with Manchester City

Robson went on to insist that United can bridge the gap to Manchester City this season, and finish within the top-four once again. He said: “I think we’re not far off [Man City].”

“Especially with them losing the manager, yeah, they’ve brought a few decent players, but they’ve weakened the squad as well with some of their top players having left this summer. So I can see the top four being more or less the same as last year.”

Robbo backed Arsenal to defend their title and revealed that he was shattered that United missed out on Morgan Rogers, who has joined Chelsea this summer. He concluded: “Arsenal are looking really strong, made some great signings in the summer to go with what they’ve got. Arsenal are going to be the ones to beat.”

“I think then City will be in there, Liverpool, ourselves, but Chelsea got off to a great start as well, and it’s a fantastic signing, Rogers. I’m gobsmacked that they got him because I think he’s a terrific player.”

Final Thoughts

The left-back position is increasingly emerging as a problem for United, so INEOS must address the issue this summer. While a move for Hall may be unrealistic, perhaps the Red Devils should repeat the “Senne Lammens” formula and sign a hidden gem for the position.