Gary Neville has slammed Luke Shaw for his display in Manchester United’s 3-0 loss to Manchester City, claiming the veteran defender had his ‘poorest game of the season by a mile’.
Shaw made his fourth Premier League start of the season on Sunday afternoon, starting in a back three alongside Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, but had a day to forget, with Neville arguing he was partially at fault for all three goals at the Etihad Stadium.
For Man City’s first goal, Shaw was beaten by Jeremy Doku, who dribbled past him and delivered a cross for Phil Foden’s 18th-minute header.
In the second half, the England international was outmuscled by Erling Haaland, who doubled the hosts’ lead. Fifteen minutes later, he gave the ball away cheaply in midfield and was out of position as Haaland broke through to score Man City’s third.
Gary Neville Blasts Luke Shaw’s Performance
Luke Shaw named football's 'most underrated' player
Luke Shaw named football's 'most underrated' player
Neville, speaking on The Gary Neville podcast, was unimpressed with Shaw’s display against Man City, saying the England international endured his poorest game of the season ‘by a mile’:
“Shaw on his poorest game of the season by a mile, he was well off it.
“First two goals, he was poor, and the third goal, he didn't cover himself in glory.
“It was just a nothing today for me, it was just poor.”
Shaw has started in all of United’s opening four Premier League games, with Argentina international Lisandro Martinez still recovering from an ACL injury sustained in February.
Martinez is not expected back until after the October international break, with both Shaw and Ayden Heaven covering the left central defensive slot in his prolonged absence.
Shaw is coming off another injury-hit season himself, having made just 12 appearances for United in 2024/25, including seven in the Premier League.
The England international’s future at Old Trafford has been the subject of speculation recently, with United reportedly considering the 30-year-old’s position amid plans to sign a new central defender in 2026.
Shaw, who joined the Red Devils from Southampton in 2014, is under contract until June 2027 and is one of the top earners at Old Trafford, taking home a reported £200,000 per week.