Manchester United Must Upgrade Luke Shaw to Avoid Rebuild Stalling

Parker has sounded the alarm over Manchester United’s left side of defence, warning that Old Trafford’s rebuild will stall unless the club upgrades on Luke Shaw.

Shaw, signed for £30 million back in 2014, finally managed to start all 38 league games last season. It should have been a landmark campaign. Instead, his displays have left former United defender Parker unconvinced and deeply sceptical about his long-term role.

Speaking to Betarades.gr, Parker was brutally clear: if Shaw is pushed further forward, United must act fast.

“If the plan is to play him as a winger, then the club seriously needs a new left back because Luke Shaw isn’t good enough,” he said. “They really need a mobile fullback with agility who can defend properly as well and a player who can do a job up and down the pitch.”

That is the profile United have been chasing all summer. The club have been scouring the market for defensive reinforcements, with Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall and Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly both emerging as potential options.

Hall, though, will not come cheap. Valued at around £60m and viewed as a key asset at St James’ Park, he would be a difficult signing to prise away, especially with Newcastle reluctant to sell. The obstacles are obvious. Parker’s stance is not.

For him, replacing the current starter is non-negotiable for Michael Carrick.

He did not sugar-coat his verdict on Shaw’s game.

“Luke Shaw can’t run and he can’t defend or attack, so what do you need him for? Dalot is always going to be an issue when he plays as well, especially if they play him on the left back,” Parker said, taking aim at both full-back options.

If United cannot land Hall or another high-end recruit, Parker believes the answer is already walking through the doors of the training ground every morning.

He wants teenager Harry Amass thrown into the fight.

“I saw Harry Amass play a couple of games for Sheffield Wednesday and up until the injury all the Wednesday fans were completely raving about him,” Parker recalled. “Absolutely raving about him, so maybe it is time to give him the opportunity? The club should be better at introducing young players like him and give them a run. In my opinion, he needs a run, not just a couple of games.”

That is the crossroads United now face. With the transfer deadline closing in, Carrick must decide whether to test Newcastle’s resolve over Hall, pivot to alternative defensive targets, or place his trust in youth and fast-track Amass.

The new season is almost here. United’s backline plan cannot wait much longer.