OPINION
BBC Sport pundit Kevin Kilbane believes that Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff moving to Manchester United is a “bad idea”.
According to Sky Sports, Manchester United began showing interest in the Magpies’ academy graduate earlier in May, and Kilbane has since had his say on the situation.
In an interview with Off The Ball, sd transcribed by the Chronicle,the former Everton man said: “A good player [but] it’s still too early in my mind,
“He’s not played enough football, certainly at the top level. The games that I have seen him play, very good footballer and a technically good footballer,
“[But] it’s too early for that one. Bad idea for now.”
Although Longstaff has impressed in the Premier League this season for the Magpies, despite only featuring nine times in the first team before suffering a knee injury, a move to United could prove to be costly for the rest of his career.
It seems like a naive move for the midfielder to make the switch to Old Trafford should he be given the opportunity, as he would be unlikely to get the same amount of game time in which he would be getting at St. James’ Park.
At only 21-year of age, Longstaff still has lots of time to develop and build himself up for life as a regular starter in the Premier League, however he would be completely thrown into the deep end if he made the switch to United this early in his career, and like Kilbane said, it seems like a bad idea at this moment in time.
This is especially case when Kilbane is spot on to say that Longstaff has not played enough senior football in order to move to a club like Man United just yet.
Also, the fact remains that the midfielder can be of great use to Rafa Benitez next season, and it’s likely that he will be needed at some point once he has returned to full fitness following his most recent injury.
Not to mention United also have their own young midfielder in Scott McTominay, who would likely get the nod from Ole Gunnar Solskjær ahead of Longstaff, so it may be better for the 21-year old to snub any advancements from United.
