INEOS Should Consider Parting Ways with Injury-Plagued Manchester United Defender

Manchester United’s new manager Ruben Amorim has faced a challenging start since taking over midway through the season. In 20 matches under his leadership, the Red Devils have won 10, drawn 2, and lost 8. While maintaining a positive record, disappointing losses like a 2-0 defeat at Wolves have been frustrating.

Amorim employs a 3-4-2-1 formation that relies heavily on wing-backs to provide width and attacking threat. However, one player who could excel in this role has barely featured due to ongoing fitness issues.

Luke Shaw has endured a difficult campaign, sidelined for most of the 2024/25 season with various injuries. The experienced left-back has missed 53 games and made just 3 appearances all season, last playing on December 1st as a substitute.

Despite his injury woes, Shaw has been a mainstay at Old Trafford for 11 years, amassing 278 appearances. Former United defender Gary Neville once hailed him as “the best left-back in the country” when fit and in form.

However, Shaw’s persistent injury problems have become a major obstacle to regular playing time. As one of the club’s highest earners at £150,000 per week, United may need to consider moving on from the 29-year-old to free up wages and reinvest elsewhere.

While Shaw’s technical ability makes him an ideal fit for Amorim’s wing-back role, his body may no longer be able to handle the physical demands. Though he famously scored England’s opener in the Euro 2020 final from a similar position, United fans have yet to see him deployed there under the new manager.

It’s unfortunate that injuries have hampered Shaw’s United career, preventing him from consistently reaching the elite level Neville believed he was capable of. While there’s always hope he can overcome his fitness issues, it would be understandable if the club decides to part ways with the defender sooner rather than later.