When Newcastle’s first-choice wide defenders in Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento are fit and available, the team are an entirely different proposition.
Hall being available again following hamstring problems is absolutely critical to their prospects this season.
The 21-year-old was Newcastle’s best player by a distance at Old Trafford and he was central to everything positive the visitors did.
Hall carried possession well, drove at opposition defenders, fed balls in behind the defence and tried to whip crosses into the area when he could.
His wicked, vicious 62nd-minute effort, which he lashed towards goal from 25 yards after stealing possession high, dipped fiercely and cannoned back off the bar. It spotlighted Hall’s technical quality.
At times, Hall plays as an additional attacker, offering Newcastle an entirely fresh dimension to when Dan Burn is filling in out of position. If he continues to play like this, Hall is surely World Cup-bound with England.
