Manchester United continue to be linked with Newcastle defender Lewis Hall this summer as the new season edges closer
Manchester United full-back Luke Shaw and Newcastle defender Lewis Hall
Manchester United full-back Luke Shaw and Newcastle defender Lewis Hall could become teammates next season(Image: Getty Images)
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With Casemiro leaving a hole in the Manchester United midfield, it was not surprising to see the Reds focus on the centre of the pitch at the start of the transfer window. The arrivals of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa have taken the pressure off United. A third midfielder remains on their wishlist, but it is no longer a huge concern.
Meanwhile, free agent Karl Darlow arrived to provide better competition for Senne Lammens. Elsewhere, exciting academy stars like Tynan Thompson and Kit Margetson, have joined to continue Ineos' strategy of keeping one eye on the future.
But now, United need to look at other areas of the pitch that need strengthening. One of those key positions is left-back. Luke Shaw did incredibly well to play in every Premier League match last season. He is currently the standout choice to start in that position against Hull next month.
However, there are concerns United do not have adequate cover or a succession plan in place at left-back. Diego Leon remains a rough diamond while Patrick Dorgu showed he was more equipped to play on the left wing, last season. Currently, the standout name to join United is Newcastle defender Lewis Hall.
He is on United's radar and depending which report you read, he could cost Michael Carrick's side anywhere between £50-70m. Were he to join though, how would he stack up to Shaw? MEN Sport has delved into the statistics and what their respective managers have said, to find out.
Statistics
When comparing their statistics from the 2025/26 Premier League season, what is clear is that Shaw and Hall offer two different strengths. Starting with United's current full-back, Shaw looks to hold the advantage when it comes to defensive attributes.
According to WhoScored, Shaw marginally leads Hall on tackles per 90 minutes (1.9-1.8), interceptions (1.2 to 0.9) and he has been dribbled past marginally less than Hall (0.4-0.5). That's not to say that Hall struggles defensively though.
He has conceded considerably less fouls per 90 minutes compared to Shaw (0.6-1.3) and has blocked 0.5 crosses compared to Shaw's 0.2. But where Hall excels, compared to Shaw, is offensively.
Both men managed just one goal and an assist last season. However, Hall managed more shots per game (0.8-0.3), key passes (0.8-0.4), dribbles past opponents (1.2-0.3) and he was fouled more than Shaw too with 1.4 fouls drawn compared to 0.5.
Hall also leads the way with crosses per 90 minutes (0.7-0.2). However to Shaw's credit, he beats Hall with the average number of passes per game and pass completion, 45.1-42 and 86.8-85.2, respectively.
What their managers say
Carrick was full of praise for Shaw after the defender scored his first goal of the season in the final home match of the campaign, against Nottingham Forest. It came just days before Thomas Tuchel named his World Cup squad that Shaw ultimately missed out on.
When asked if Shaw should make that squad, Carrick said: "I certainly think so, yeah. I haven't got much sway in the matter at all, but I certainly think so.
"Again, the consistency, just what he's capable of doing. The performance, the experience, his strengths, his attributes that he's got.
"For me, yeah, he's a fantastic full-back. I think between them, I think all three of them (Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo and Shaw) have done their chances no harm recently for sure."
Back in March, Eddie Howe heaped praise on Hall for his performances since signing from Chelsea in 2024. However, he was keen not to draw too much attention to his young full-back.
"It was a really smart piece of business by us to acquire Lewis when we did," Howe explained. "And it was always with a longer-term view.
"We knew he wouldn't come straight into the team. We wanted to bring someone in that we feel could develop into that position. You never quite know how it's going to go.
"I know he had a really tough first year to do a lot of work behind the scenes. In that time, he had to really show mental strength and patience and commit to his development. He's reaped the benefits from that season onwards, really, where he's grabbed his chance in the team and he's playing again.
"He’s probably one of those players I'd say is playing his best football currently. I think there's loads more to come from him. I think there's still areas of his game to focus on and improve.
"But he's got a lot of strengths that not many players in that position would have. And that's what makes him stand out and catch the eye."
Verdict
Shaw has one year remaining on his United contract and while a new deal would be deserved, based on last season alone, can the Reds continue with him as their first choice for too much longer? Hall is 10 years younger and is starting to find his rhythm in the Premier League.
£50m, £60m or £70m may seem like a hefty fee but Hall could become United's first choice left-back for the next decade. Carrick wants his side to control the game this season and his signings have reflected that. Hall's offensive abilities compared to Shaw, would benefit this new United system.
Shaw did manage better defensive statistics than Hall last season but the Newcastle man was not too far behind. This deal seems like an obvious one for United to try and make, if they can prise him away from St James' Park.