Manchester United legend Gary Pallister has urged supporters to be patient with Luke Shaw despite the defender coming under increasing criticism during the early weeks of the season.
Luke Shaw remains Michael Carrick’s first-choice left-back and has started all three of United’s Premier League games so far. The club’s decision not to bring in another specialist option for the position during the summer has put even more focus on the England international.
Gary Pallister accepts Luke Shaw has not started the campaign particularly well, but believes there is enough in his past performances to avoid making a quick judgement.
‘One of our better players last year’
“I know there’s a lot being made about Luke Shaw at the moment,” Pallister said as quoted by Metro UK. “He’s not had a great pre-season and probably not a great start to the season, but he was one of our better players last year.”
The former Manchester United defender feels Shaw has earned some breathing room after more than 300 appearances for the club and a strong campaign last season.
“So I would still have a little bit more patience with Luke,” Pallister added. “He’s played at left-back for United, for a long, long time. So I’d give him a bit more time before I really start panicking with that one.”
Shaw did offer a reminder of what he can provide going forward during Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Everton, setting up Benjamin Sesko’s late goal with a dangerous cross.
Gary Pallister questions United’s defensive balance
While Shaw has received much of the attention, Pallister believes United’s defensive problems cannot simply be placed on the back four.
Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez started at Everton, but Pallister suggested Carrick could consider bringing Ayden Heaven or Leny Yoro back into the side.
“We can’t keep conceding these goals,” he said. “It’s not always just about looking at the defence. You’re looking at the people in front as well. The midfielders have got to give you that kind of protection. Are United getting that, that balance right? I don’t know.”
That issue could become increasingly important for Michael Carrick. United have already conceded too many goals for the manager’s liking, but the transfer window is now closed, meaning there is no opportunity to solve the problem through another signing.
Pallister believes Carrick must therefore find the right solution from the players already available.
“Whether he mixes it up, brings Ayden back in, or he brings Leny back in, we shall wait and see, but United as a team have got to be a lot better equipped to deal with the opposition.”
Luke Shaw is a concern ahead of Sabah game
United now have little time to dwell on the Everton result, with Sabah arriving on Thursday for their Champions League opener.
Shaw’s availability could be worth watching after he missed Wednesday’s training session. Carrick confirmed that the left-back was simply given an additional recovery day following the Everton game.
“Yeah, we just gave him an extra recovery day today, Luke,” Carrick said.
“So, obviously, we’ll see tomorrow how he is but it’s not an ongoing thing or planning like that. Off the back of the game the other day, as normal, each individual has different little things we manage and Luke was one of them today.”
Michael Carrick appears keen to manage Shaw rather than make changes for the sake of them. Pallister’s message is similar that there is no need to panic just yet.
Michael Carrick cautious after no recent impact in Champions League
Michael Carrick cautious after no recent impact in Champions League
Pep Guardiola didn’t want De Gea and Luke Shaw, but one Man Utd star
Pep Guardiola didn’t want De Gea and Luke Shaw, but one Man Utd star