Man Utd admire Newcastle defender Lewis Hall but they could save millions by promoting from within.
Harry Amass could be set for a big role next season.
Manchester United are interested in Lewis Hall, but with three years remaining on his contract and Newcastle’s financial position strengthened by the sale of Anthony Gordon, a deal would be difficult to do.
Eddie Howe views Hall as an indispensable player. Newcastle have insisted that he is not for sale, but if his head could be turned, an offer of around £70million would have to be considered.
Hall has the potential to become England’s starting left-back. He would be the perfect Luke Shaw replacement, but £70m is a lot of money in a window when United’s priority is the midfield.
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United youngster Harry Amass must come into the equation this summer. The left-back spent the season on loan in the Championship, where United usually send the academy prospects who have a genuine chance of breaking into the first team.
United were happy to send Amass on loan to Sheffield Wednesday, who were in financial turmoil, because they recognised an opportunity for him to be a regular starter in the second tier.
The Reds covered the costs of Amass’ loan at Hillsborough, but it was an investment worth making because he learned plenty, even winning back-to-back Wednesday player of the month awards in November and December.
Although Amass emerged with credit when he was handed five senior appearances by Ruben Amorim at the end of 2024/25, it was important that he proved he could cut it by playing each week.
Wednesday manager Henrik Pedersen spoke glowingly of Amass, saying: “His progression has been amazing. For a young player like Harry, he came with a lot of energy, but then the Championship always come knocking with three games in a row. It is tough, but he keeps on playing.
“I see a young guy who has started to be physically stronger. He runs more, he has started to sprint more, he has more accelerations and he starts to have smaller breaks in the game. He has started to be better between the phases of the game. He loves to learn. We love to have him here.”
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The structure of Amass’ transfer due to Wednesday’s financial woes meant his loan deal expired at the beginning of January, which saw him return to Manchester at the beginning of the winter window.
Wednesday were desperate to keep Amass for the second half of the campaign, but they were not in a position to do so when other Championship clubs, who could cover the cost of the loan, came to the table again.
Amass explained how his move to Norwich materialised when he sat down for his unveiling interview. “They told me they’ve been watching me since Sheffield Wednesday and a bit before that,” he said.
“They said they liked what they saw. They like the way that I carry the ball, the way that I am on the ball, the hard work that I show. They spoke to me and said they see that I can do good things here, they believe that it’ll be a benefit for the club and for me, so it should be good both ways.”
Amass was itching to show what he could do at Carrow Road, but he suffered a serious hamstring injury in training days after making his debut, which ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.
The defender returned to Carrington to continue his rehabilitation. Norwich manager Philippe Clement was frustrated by his return to his parent club, saying he wished the situation had been different.
Reading between the lines from Clement’s comments, he wanted Amass to stay with Norwich to familiarise himself with the club, which would have made a rekindling of the relationship more likely after his recovery.
Norwich will be at the front of the queue to sign Amass on loan again if he becomes available this summer, but he has shown enough to be given a first-team role at United by Michael Carrick next season. Amass has grown physically and mentally from his time in the Championship.
Footage was shared on social media last week of the left-back training abroad as he prepares for pre-season. This summer will be big for Amass, as pre-season will be an opportunity for academy players to stake their claim while a dozen senior members of the squad represent their nations at the World Cup.
Charlie McNeill is a United academy graduate who didn’t make it at the club. He trained with Cristiano Ronaldo, though, and knows what it takes to make the grade at United, given his experience of the academy.
“He’s a joke, honestly. He’s so good, on the ball he’s ridiculous and he’s not shy of putting a tackle in,” said McNeill of Amass on a recent podcast appearance. McNeill was asked whether he would make it at United, and responded: “I think so, he’s good enough to have a future there.”
There is nowhere to hide in the Championship, which is why United send their young players who are closest to a breakthrough to that division. Amass passed the test this season, and he’s ready for the next chapter.
Newcastle defender Hall became one of the best left-backs in the Premier League because he was given the opportunity to play. Amass has earned a similar show of faith next season, which could save United millions.
United’s most successful teams have been built by promoting talented players from the academy. Why spend £70m on Hall when there is a hugely promising player in his position at the club? Amass deserves his shot.
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