Manchester United were further reminded of their need to reinforce the left-back position during the 5-2 win over Ipswich Town on Sunday, 30 August at Old Trafford. Luke Shaw retained his place in the starting XI after the dismal 2-0 defeat against Hull City on the opening day, but had a mixed outing.
The Red Devils remain in the market for a new left-back, especially since they will also be competing in the Champions League this season. Shaw started all 38 Premier League games last season, but given his poor fitness history, he could struggle to play three games a week.
Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall has been mentioned as an upgrade on the 31 year old, while Barcelona speedster Alejandro Balde is reportedly on INEOS’ radar as well. However, prising Hall away from St. James’ Park in the final days of the summer looks unlikely, with a move for Balde also in doubt.
As United continue their search for a new left-back, Shaw’s situation remains uncertain, especially since his contract expires next summer. Club legend Rio Ferdinand has now explained what the Red Devils should do about the veteran full-back.
Ferdinand urges United to sign cover for Shaw
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand pointed out that United do not have the budget to properly replace Shaw this window. He said: “In a couple of my WhatsApp chats, some United fans were saying, ‘Luke Shaw, get rid!’… Luke Shaw, over the last year, has been one of our most consistent performers and you’re sitting there saying, ‘He should be there’, or, ‘He should be somewhere else’… no!”
“Go and get a left-back that we want to actually bed in over time to be a replacement for someone like Luke Shaw. You think you’re going to go in the market and find someone? It’s like £60m we’d have to pay. We ain’t got that! We haven’t got the budget after paying the amount of money that we have to reinforce the midfield.”
The Red Devils legend went on to argue that his former club must look for cover at left-back instead of a direct replacement for Shaw, adding: “Listen, Luke Shaw has had better games, yes, but is he one where we’re looking to improve that area immediately? No, no. We need back-up in that area now with the thought of long-term.”
“Let’s not get carried away. There’s too many people getting carried away and have personal vendettas against people to try and make people think he’s not good enough. Just look at the last year’s performance. He was one of our top four or five performing players consistency-wise, 100 per cent. One below-par game today doesn’t change things for me.”
Luke Shaw Stats: 2025/26 Season
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 38 | 1 | 1 | 9 | - | 3,233' |
| Total | 38 | 1 | 1 | 9 | - | 3,233' |
Source: Transfermarkt.
Shaw good enough to play for United
Ferdinand also lamented the lack of an understudy to Shaw in the current squad, stating: “The only thing I would say is in the left-back area, yes, we haven’t got that understudy there where you’re thinking that’s a ready-made replacement looking to come in. We haven’t got that guy right now.”
“The club don’t think Harry Amass is that guy it seems because he doesn’t seem to be close to it at the moment. That’s the way it is, whether we believe Harry Amass is good enough or not.”
The former English centre-back insisted that Shaw is good enough to play for United but cannot manage the volume of games this season. He concluded: “It seems the club doesn’t feel like that so I don’t look it at like: replace Luke Shaw.”
“I look at it like: let’s find someone who could be a replacement in time, over time, because I still think he [Shaw] is good enough to play. It’s just the volume of games we’re going to have this season, he isn’t going to be able to play all of those games.”
Final Thoughts
United’s lack of cover at left-back could turn out to be a major problem if not addressed in the coming days. INEOS, as such, should step up their efforts and perhaps secure a move for someone like Joaquin Seys.
Featured image by Dan Mullan/Getty Images
