Luke Shaw started every Premier League match in 2025/26, yet his pre-season display against AC Milan put the left-back debate straight back on the table. Manchester United lost 4-2 in Poland, and Shaw came out with a 4/10 from the Manchester Evening News, the worst rating on the day.

Shaw's pre-season showing

The local verdict was sharp. Manchester Evening News said he was "Given a going over by Chukwueze and ironically struggled to understand Amorim's system and how he should approach going up against the wing-back." The Sun were no kinder, writing that he was "left hopelessly outnumbered at the back post for Milan’s first goal, and there were some occasions in the second half that Heaven and Santos had to fill in to cover for him. Other than that, he failed to make an impact."

That does not wipe away the fact that Shaw has been trusted heavily in league football. He averaged 6.96 across his last five matches and 89.8 minutes per game in that run, with one goal in those five outings. The issue is not whether he can still get on the pitch. It is whether United should feel comfortable with him as the only senior left-back option.

United's left-back options

The wider squad conversation is not flattering for United. The club can still complete deals for three more players this summer, and left-back remains the position that keeps coming back into focus. Newcastle and Lewis Hall have been linked in the wider conversation around the role, but the brief only supports the fact that the position is still being discussed, not any move or fee.

United's concern is practical. Shaw's league durability is one thing, but one rough pre-season outing was enough to expose how quickly the doubts return when the level rises. Ruben Amorim's system clearly demands more from the full-backs, and Shaw's display against Milan suggested that he is still adjusting to it.

The question now is not whether Shaw can start games. He already has. It is whether Manchester United end the summer with another left-back or keep running the risk that one bad night at the back post turns the argument up again.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →