Luke Shaw faces an uncertain future as Manchester United revive interest in £80m-rated Jarrad Branthwaite.
Manchester United - Man Utd
Full name: Manchester United Football Club Nickname: The Red Devils, United Founded: 5 March 1878 as Newton Heath LYR FC – 24 April 1902 as Manchester United Ground: Old Trafford Owners: Manchester United plc (71.06%) and Ineos (28.94%) Co-chairmen: Joel… Read More about MANCHESTER UNITED
Man United are facing fresh worry at the back, and the latest news around Luke Shaw adds to it. The left back looks set to leave once his current deal runs out next year.
Luke Shaw contract situation remains unclear
Shaw has spent more than ten years at Old Trafford and is one of the senior players in the squad. Injuries hurt several of his early years at the club, but he stayed fit for all of last season. He looked close to his best form again and held down a regular starting spot. Right now, there has reportedly been no real talk of a new contract for him. His long term future at the Red Devils now looks more uncertain heading into the new year.
As reported by Sky Sports, Shaw has already missed games this season due to a fresh injury setback. That has left United short of cover in the left back spot early in the season. The club had a chance to sign extra depth there during the summer transfer window. They looked closely at Newcastle United star Lewis Hall but were priced out of the move. United had already spent big money rebuilding their midfield during that same summer transfer window. Choosing not to sign another option during that summer window now looks like a costly call.
Shaw’s stats in the 2025-26 season at Man United, as per FOTMOB:
Competition Matches Goals Assists Chances created Defensive contributions
Premier League 38 1 1 16 224
United face a wider defensive rebuild
Luke Shaw is far from the only defender facing a shaky future at Old Trafford right now. Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez also see their current deals expire at the end of this season. Even so, United hold the right to extend both of those deals by a further year. Matthijs de Ligt has meanwhile been out of action for close to a year now. He has been slowly working his way back after undergoing back surgery earlier last season.
Because of this, United now look ready to reshape their whole back four next summer. This kind of rebuild would follow two big transfer windows already spent on midfield and attack. Patrick Dorgu has filled in at left back each time Shaw has been out this season. Relying only on Dorgu as backup cover leaves little margin for a top football club chasing honours. United still want to strengthen their defensive options as soon as the transfer market allows.
Everton value Jarrad Branthwaite at £80m
United have also renewed their long term interest in Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite this week. Fresh contact has reportedly been made between the two clubs about a possible transfer deal. The 24-year-old has largely overcome a difficult run of injury problems already this season. He has started this season well and has looked calm and sure on the ball. Several of Europe’s biggest clubs continue to keep a close eye on his progress this season.
Everton are said to be keen to keep hold of their star man this year. Even so, reports suggest the club still values him at close to £80m as things stand. Branthwaite’s age and calm playing style make him a good long term fit for United. His growing experience in the Premier League only adds more weight to that overall case. United want a young defender who feels at ease helping to build play from the back. A pairing with a more senior partner already at the club would suit their preferred style well.