Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall has brushed aside suggestions that Manchester United's reported interest destabilised him during the summer window, insisting the speculation was nothing more than a confidence boost.

Hall, 22, put the rumour mill firmly behind him last week when he committed to Newcastle United until 2031, agreeing a two-year extension that contains no release clause. The deal came amid persistent reports linking him with a move to Old Trafford, but he wasted little time in making his intentions clear.

"No, honestly, it didn't [affect me]," Hall said after Saturday's 2-1 win over Hull City, in which he scored. "I guess whenever you're linked to another team, you know you're doing something right. It's a credit to your own performances and how you are as a player, how you are as a person. I took that as a positive."

A new deal and a new call-up

The contract extension capped a remarkable stretch for Hall, who also received a recall to the England squad in the same week. His goal against Hull City underlined why Newcastle United moved quickly to secure his future.

Newcastle fans had grown anxious over the summer, watching Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon, and Sandro Tonali all become the subject of transfer speculation. Hall's decision to stay represents a significant statement of intent from a player who grew up supporting the club.

"I'm really grateful for the contract and the trust from the board and from the manager," he added. "I'm just taking it game by game, trying to do the best I can for this club. We've got ambitions, and as long as we achieve what we want to achieve, I'm sure I'll be here for a long time."

Jaissle the key factor

Newcastle United's summer was turbulent. At the end of July, manager Eddie Howe stepped down, with German coach Matthias Jaissle arriving from Al-Ahli to take the reins. Hall is unequivocal about the new manager's influence on his decision.

"After not many conversations, not many training sessions, I knew the manager was going to be really good for this club," he said. "As soon as we brought in new players and improved the squad, it was a no-brainer to sign."

Hall reserved particular praise for Jaissle's man-management style, crediting him with the freedom to express himself going forward, provided the defensive demands of the left-back role are met.

"He gives me the licence to express myself as long as I do the defensive work and the running required for this position," Hall said. "He's been a positive for everyone who's come in so far."