Manchester United have been looking for a new name in their pursuit of a left-back – and it could be far cheaper than first thought.
According to reports, Antonee Robinson from Fulham has become a real option for the Red Devils, after the hunt for Lewis Hall in Newcastle has stalled. With Luke Shaw still out with injuries and Patrick Dorgu preferred as a winger by Michael Carrick, the left-back position is one of the club’s big priorities this summer.
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Hall has long been the main target, and United are said to be willing to pay upwards of £60m for the 21-year-old. But Newcastle do not want to let go of any more key players – they have already sold Sandro Tonali to Tottenham, Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, and Bruno Guimaraes is on his way to Arsenal for £75 million. In addition, manager Eddie Howe has left the club.
To lose Hall now? Out of the question.
Robinson – a far more affordable alternative
Thus, United have started to look for other solutions. Antonee Robinson, 28, is now being considered a fully-fledged candidate to take over the left-back role at Carrick. According to talkSPORT, the American can be picked up for a far lower sum than Hall – perhaps even a “budget price”.
Robinson has two years left on his contract with Fulham, which means the club will soon have to decide: sell now, or extend. Last season, Marco Silva often opted for Ryan Sessegnon at left-back, suggesting that Robinson isn’t entirely indispensable. The question is whether new Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa sees it the same way.
Perfect as a rotation player – and competitor to Shaw
Robinson has previously been referred to by Marco Silva as “one of the best left-backs in the Premier League” – and it’s easy to see why. He is fast, physically strong, and has proven that he can hold the level in the toughest league in the world.
For United, he would be an ideal signing: he costs far less than Hall, he doesn’t expect to play every game, and he can rotate with Shaw without causing discontent in the squad. With Champions League football on the agenda next season, United will need width – and Robinson provides exactly that.
Shaw played every league game last year – a feat that is unlikely to be repeated. With Robinson in the squad, United will have a reliable back-up who can also challenge for a permanent place.
A temporary solution – with a long-term vision
Robinson is unlikely to be the final solution for United, but he could be the perfect bridge builder. He gives the club time to assess the situation with Hall again in a later window, while at the same time they get a solid and experienced left-back through the doors now.
For a club that has to balance finances, sporting ambition and a tough fixture schedule, Antonee Robinson could be just what they need – a smart, under-exciting signing who could prove to be one of the most important of the summer.
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