Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has hinted at his regret that the Red Devils failed to sign Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall in the summer. Hall was identified as Manchester United's top left-back target in the summer, but Newcastle told them in no uncertain terms that the 21-year-old was not for sale.
In a summer where the Magpies sold Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali, there was little chance of them selling another top star, and the England international remained at St James' Park.
Hall's strong start and new contract
Hall has made a fantastic start to the season under Matthias Jaissle and recently penned a new contract with Newcastle that will keep him on Tyneside until the summer of 2031. He has also established himself as England's starting left-back, excelling across three starts for the Three Lions during their UEFA Nations League matches during the last international break.
Meanwhile, Manchester United went into the season with just Luke Shaw as their only recognised senior left-back, but the 31-year-old has picked up an injury and is set to be out for a prolonged period. Patrick Dorgu has been used more as a left-winger by the Red Devils but can cover at left-back. However, the Danish international is also injured, leaving Carrick with a major void to fill.
Carrick on transfer regrets
When asked whether there is any regret they did not sign a new left-back in the summer, Carrick suggested they have to make the best of a tough situation.
"When we've got injuries at different stages, we can always look at what could have been done, where we could have improved," Carrick said in his pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester United's Champions League clash with Como. "I spoke to you about making the best of the transfer window in the situation that we had and we had to make decisions in the summer and we did what we could do and made the best of it.
"There's been injuries. Obviously Pat as well getting injured and it tends to happen at certain times when it hits you in the same place. That's just the way it goes sometimes."
Amass in contention
Teenage left-back Harry Amass is in contention to start against Cesc Fabregas' side this evening. Amass spent last season on loan with Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich City and returned to Old Trafford in the summer looking to prove his worth.
"Yeah, for sure, that's why Harry's with us," Carrick replied when asked whether Amass is in contention to start. "He's right in contention and at some point young players need an opportunity and it's just finding the right time. Sometimes it's because there's an unfortunate thing happened to somebody else, sometimes it's just you're doing that well that we have to give you a chance."
