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Why Man United’s outcast could be the perfect signing for both Mike Ashley and Rafa Benitez

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Rafa Benitez’s rebuild at Newcastle United is quite obviously addressing all sorts of long-running issues at St. James’ Park, even with recent drama in regards to questions over the Spaniard’s authority in the transfer market. 

For so long, power brokers on Tyneside simply ignored a myriad of problems as if they weren’t there until the rot set too deep and the Magpies meekly surrendered their Premier League status, even with the 56-year-old in charge.

Clearly, reports suggesting troublesome twosome Mike Ashley and Graham Carr were once again having a say on transfer dealings caused concern amongst the club’s sizeable fan base, given the fact the former Liverpool and Real Madrid coach is understood to have been handed assurances he would indeed be in control.

Just what happens on that front remains to be seen, though what is clear, is the fact United have not yet sufficiently addressed a purely footballing problem. The left-back berth at St. James’ Park has proved to a problem position for years now, ever since Davide Santon seemed to lose all sense of good form under Alan Pardew.

Massaido Haidara’s time in black and white has been plagued by injuries and even when fit, the Frenchman is suspect at very best, particularly at Premier League level. Granted, Paul Dummett is perhaps too easily targeted as a scapegoat when things are going wrong.

Being one of few regular first-teamers who’ve graduated from the club’s academy, the Welshman’s constant presence in the starting eleven is a rarity and the 25-year-old seems to bear the brunt of abuse when goings get tough. That’s not to say he isn’t without blame at times, but the fact he isn’t a rip-roaring attacker seems to be held against him an awful lot.

Still, if the Magpies really do want to push on (should they win promotion to the Premier League), the left-back position really does need addressing. Which is exactly why they should look to sign Luke Shaw, if they are indeed back in the proverbial Promised Land this summer.

The England international has recently been reported to be on his way out of Manchester United after seeing his progress stall ever since his horrific broken leg in September last year. As delicate a talent as the former Southampton ace is, he’d be a wonderful long-term addition to a Newcastle side in dire need of a left-back.

Prior to his injury, the 21-year-old was a hugely rated talent on the south coast and was largely seen as Ashley Cole’s heir to the role for the Three Lions for many years to come. With Mike Ashley seemingly hell-bent on securing players around his age for their sell-on value, offering him the chance to resurrect his career in black and white would be a great move for all parties.

As much as he fits Ashley’s policy, he could also improve Benitez’s side. Happy families. For now.

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