Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United are potentially about to repeat a decision that proved so costly under Erik ten Hag, but it can easily be avoided.
When Sir Jim Ratcliffe took control of the footballing operations at Manchester United, he talked a big game about the mistakes of the previous regime.
Ratcliffe said Ed Woodward didn’t understand football and slammed several deals that Richard Arnold and John Murtough oversaw at United.
The criticism was deserved, but Ineos can’t afford to then make the same mistakes. And after United’s hopes of signing Lewis Hall falter, there is that exact risk now emerging.
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Galatasaray A.S. v Manchester United: Group A - UEFA Champions League 2023/24
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Ineos need to avoid Sergio Reguilon-like error at Manchester United
While it could yet happen, United look likely to miss out on Hall this summer, which is a big blow for the left-back position and Ineos’ plans.
But if Hall isn’t happening, United can’t make the mistake of settling for an aged player who isn’t good enough to displace Luke Shaw which the club did previously with Sergio Reguilon.
Reguilon, Alex Telles and Tyrell Malacia are all left-backs brought in to be back-up and none were good enough for when Shaw inevitably got injured.
United don’t need a Reguilon, they need the future and a player who can succeed Shaw for the next decade.
This role therefore, if Hall isn’t available, should be given to Harry Amass instead of signing another underwhelming stop gap.
United have been here before, with Alvaro Carreras in 2023 in the place Amass was only to see Reguilon take a spot which was his at a proper, well-run club.
Carreras was fresh off being a sensation in the Championship for Preston, like Amass for Sheffield Wednesday.
United made the wrong call with Carreras and former director of football John Murtough ended up losing him to Benfica, before he then joined Real Madrid. This can’t happen again amid the conversations around Amass being sold for a measly £6m.
So if United can’t get Hall, learn from this mistake and use Amass, give him a chance to reach his potential which is huge.
Losing Carreras was embarrassing for United and Murtough, and losing Amass for a player like Antonee Robinson would be akin to this prior call.
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Manchester United can’t cut corners with Luke Shaw replacement
United signing Hall wouldn’t have been to play second fiddle to Shaw, he was a replacement in the starting line-up and therefore whoever the club do sign must be of similar quality.
Adrien Truffert would be one option to be of a level that could allow Shaw to actually be replaced.
Either sign a premium option, or just integrate Amass. Signing bang-average players in their mid 20s to sit on the bench is not what United need.
United can’t make the same mistake that was made under the previous footballing decision makers.