Manchester United's failure to secure a new left-back before the transfer deadline has drawn sharp criticism from former captain Roy Keane, who described the club's late pursuit of alternatives as a sign of desperation.
United had spent much of the summer window searching for reinforcements to compete with Luke Shaw at left-back, with names such as Newcastle's Lewis Hall, Jorge Salinas and Barcelona's Alejandro Balde all linked with a move to Old Trafford. Despite the speculation, none of those deals materialised, and the club also saw its late interest in Wolves' Rayan Ait-Nouri fail to produce a signing.
With no fresh arrival in that position, United are left to rely on Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Lisandro Martinez and Ayden Heaven as cover for Shaw, alongside academy prospect Harry Amass, who offers an additional option at left-back.
Speaking on the Stick to Football Podcast, Keane was blunt in his assessment of Hall, who had been strongly linked with the club for some time. Reports had suggested Newcastle would consider offers in excess of £75million for the England international, but Keane insisted the 25-year-old was not the right fit for United's needs.
"I don't think Hall is the answer. He's not bad, don't get me wrong. I don't think he's a good defender," Keane said. "Of course you want him to be comfortable in possession, of course, but first and foremost, they can defend because that's what your challenge is now."
The former Ireland international stressed that United's priority should be defensive solidity, even if it means compromising on attacking flair from full-backs. "Whatever it is with your attacking players, listen lads, two midfielders and an attacking four, go and win us the game, but we've got to be solid defensively, even if it's sacrificing being good on the ball," he added.
Keane also took aim at the club's approach in the closing hours of the window, suggesting that scrambling for a deal with time running out was not befitting of a club of United's stature. "For a club like United, you shouldn't be getting too desperate with two hours to go. I wouldn't be too hard on them but the problem is that when you get desperate at the end," he said.
His comments echoed similar concerns raised by fellow former United defender Gary Neville, who questioned the club's late flirtation with Ait-Nouri. "Was it sloppy with the Rayan Ait-Nouri one, to get dragged into that with two hours to go? It's not a great look is it?" Neville said. "Everyone's been talking about a left-back, centre-back all summer and then with two hours to go you've had a nibble."
Other names floated as potential left-back targets throughout the summer included Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly and Fulham's Antonee Robinson, though neither move gained serious traction.
With the transfer window now closed, United's left-back situation remains a talking point heading into the new season, with questions lingering over whether the club's existing options can adequately cover for Shaw across a demanding campaign.
Based on reporting from Standard Sport.