Manchester United have been urged to sign a new left-back before the summer transfer window closes, with club legend Patrice Evra insisting Luke Shaw's "time has gone" at Old Trafford. The former France international's comments came after Shaw drew criticism for his display in the Red Devils' 2-0 defeat to newly-promoted Hull City.
Evra's verdict on Shaw
Speaking on his Kick Stream, brought to you by Stake, Evra said: "What I'm really disappointed about is all the back passes in that game. Luke Shaw, I love you, but it's going to be a tough season for him. Why? He's been at the club for years, he's had a lot of injuries that killed his football career. When I talk with him, he's still traumatised by [the injuries], he wouldn't go 100 per cent into every challenge."
"I have to tell the truth. Man United fans want to hear my opinion, and I think [Luke Shaw's] time has gone. Don't get me wrong, he might have a great game next game, but I don't care. If Luke Shaw can give me a 35-game season, then that's a good season," he added.
Hall backed as replacement
When asked whether United should target Newcastle and England defender Lewis Hall, Evra gave his backing to the idea, even after Hall conceded a penalty that handed Liverpool a dramatic point at St James' Park last Sunday. "That's what I wanted. [Lewis Hall] is a great player, we're talking about consistency. In the game against Liverpool, he gave away a penalty, but I don't care. He gives you 90 minutes, guaranteed, that's the kind of left-back Man United need," he said.
Evra also asserted that "no-one has replaced him" at United since his departure in 2014, suggesting Ashley Young had been the most dependable occupant of that position in the years since.
Transfer deadline pressure
Manager Michael Carrick has invested heavily in midfield during the summer window, but holes remain elsewhere in the squad, with left-back depth a serious concern. Hall, valued at around £60million, has long been on United's radar, but the club have so far stopped short of making a formal bid with the deadline looming on September 1.
Carrick does have alternative targets in mind, with Barcelona's Alejandro Balde, Club Brugge's Joaquin Seys and Racing Santander's Jorge Salinas all on the radar. Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui can both provide cover at left-back, though neither is a natural fit for the role. Newcastle are under no financial pressure to sell following several high-profile departures this summer and appear determined to retain the 21-year-old.
