Former England international Danny Mills has urged Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff to opt against a potential move to Manchester United.
Sky Sports reported earlier this week that the Red Devils are interested in the 21-year-old after his stunning breakthrough season with the Magpies. Mills, however, feels the player would be foolish to make the switch.
“If you are a young player like Longstaff, you need to be sure you are joining a club where you can develop,” he told Football Insider. “Does Solskjaer have a record of developing players? No. Does Rafa Benitez, assuming he stays at Newcastle? Yes. Longstaff should think very carefully before leaving Newcastle, where he is likely to play regularly when he is fit again.
“He’ll regret it if he moves to Manchester United, where he might not play as much. Man United have big problems. They need some serious surgery and I’m not sure if it’s the right move for any young player.”
OPINION
It’s hard to argue with anything Mills says here, really. He’s right, United is surely not the best move for a young player like Longstaff at this moment in time. That squad is a complete mess and from a footballing perspective the club is in absolute free-fall. So that’s not a great environment for any youngster trying to make their way in the game, is it? The lure will still be there, though, because of how big a club United are and how much history goes with wearing the Red Devils badge. However, if Longstaff knows what’s good for him he will reject any talk of a move to Old Trafford and stay at St James’ Park while he hones his craft. He’s only a few months into his first team career at Newcastle, so there’s no need to be making a high profile move just yet. He needs game time and a stable environment in order to develop properly and he’ll get that on Tyneside. In Manchester, though? Not so likely. Mills hits the nail on the head here, Longstaff must eschew United’s interest at all costs.
