Manchester United are keen to retain Luke Shaw this summer
Last season was disappointing for Manchester United. The team finished 15th in the Premier League, lost to Tottenham in the Europa League final and due to this will not be a part of any European tournament this season. Ruben Amorim was made manager midway through last season, but the effect of the change was not clearly visible in the results.
The start of the new season was also dull, United disappointed again by losing the opening game 1-0 against Arsenal. However, the club have added names like Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko in the summer and are still active in the transfer window. Amidst this turmoil, questions were also raised about Luke Shaw, who came from Southampton in 2014 and has been an important part of United’s defence for years. Despite injuries and inconsistencies, he has come a long way in the club.
Mick Brown’s report and Shaw’s future
United’s former chief scout Mick Brown made it clear that Luke Shaw is not going to leave the club this season. There were reports earlier that the left-back wants to leave the club. However, Brown believes Amorim sees him as a key player in his plans. He explained that there are a few players in the squad whom the manager can trust blindly, and Shaw is one of them. Brown said that while the 30-year-old may not always be in the spotlight, he has proven to be a consistent performer on the pitch.
Manchester United are keen to retain Luke Shaw this summer.
The former scout also explained that the English left-back’s biggest strength is his versatility. He can be a starting option at left-back, but can also play centre-back or in other positions in defence when needed. Such players are of particular importance in any season, especially when there are questions about squad depth and fitness.
Brown also indicated that although there were clubs showing interest in Shaw, particularly reports from Saudi Arabia, it is now clear that United are not planning to sell him. He also cited Shaw’s playing in the opening game against Arsenal as a sign that Amorim sees him as an important part of the team. According to him, players like Maguire and Shaw may not be high-profile names, but United need to retain such trusted faces in the squad. (Via Football Insider).
“Luke Shaw is going to be staying at Man United.”
“There are players in the squad like him and Harry Maguire who might not be flashy names, but the manager knows he can rely on them when called upon.”
“Some others in the squad, you can’t be so certain, but Shaw is ultra-consistent.”
“He’s still a very talented player and he can play in a few positions at the back.”
“It’s always useful to have a player like that because he’s good enough to start but can also fill in for other key players if needed.”
“There was some talk about interest in him from Saudi Arabia.”
“I think they’re clear now that he won’t be going ANYWHERE. he’s going to be part of the manager’s plans, and he’s a valuable player to have at the club.”
“The fact he started against Arsenal is a clear sign of United’s intentions.”
Mick Brown’s words are valid. Shaw’s fitness has been a concern, but whenever he has been available, he has given balance to the defence. In Amorim’s system, where flexibility is important, having a player like the 30-year-old is a relief for the team. His versatility allows United to make different combinations when needed. United indeed need new energy and big names, but retaining experienced players is equally important.
If the club focus only on new high-profile signings and ignore trusted old players, the balance in the squad may be disturbed. At this time, United need a mix of both experience and freshness. In our opinion, keeping Shaw is the right decision as he can prove to be a wall of confidence in Amorim’s project. Meanwhile, we do have Diego Leon for the future, who can learn and take over as the starter. In other news, Jadon Sancho wants more money to leave Manchester United this summer transfer window.