Manchester United head into their Champions League opener against Sabah with an uncomfortable question already hanging over Michael Carrick’s squad, and it centres on Luke Shaw. According to Mail, the England defender was absent from training on Wednesday, a development that has sharpened concern around a position United chose not to strengthen during the summer.
There is, for now, no certainty that Shaw is injured. Club sources have indicated the day was marked down as rest and recovery for the 31-year-old, and that may point to caution ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford. Even so, the timing invites scrutiny. A Champions League campaign asks for resilience, depth and certainty, and United suddenly seem to be operating with precious little of the latter at left-back.
Manchester United Left-Back Depth Under Spotlight
This was always the risk. Shaw remains an influential footballer, experienced, intelligent and technically secure, but there has long been an acceptance that asking him to carry relentless minutes across another demanding season would test the limits of fortune. He started every Premier League game last term, which in itself felt like an exception to the rule rather than a trend that could safely be repeated.
His late withdrawal in the 2-2 draw at Everton had initially been viewed as tactical. He had contributed creatively, setting up Benjamin Sesko, and there was no immediate sense of alarm. Now, though, his absence from training changes the tone. What looked routine begins to feel ominous.
United had opportunities to protect themselves. Interest in Lewis Hall did not lead anywhere, and the chance to bring in Rayan Ait-Nouri on loan was turned down. Those calls may yet prove sound over the course of the season, but football has a cruel habit of testing recruitment logic early.
Michael Carrick Trusts Flexible Options
Carrick has made it clear he sees adaptability as one of the strengths of this group. “We obviously had certain…
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