Patrice Evra fears Manchester United still require major surgery on the evidence of last weekend’s defeat against Hull City, and believes Luke Shaw’s time at the club has passed.
The Red Devils ended last season in encouraging fashion, securing Champions League qualification on the back of a fine run of form under interim boss Michael Carrick. Evra’s former United teammate was appointed as Ruben Amorim’s permanent successor in the close season, and the summer’s transfer efforts have largely centered on bolstering the squad’s midfield engine room.
Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba have all arrived to help ease the burden on Kobbie Mainoo, following Casemiro’s departure, but Evra fears his old club are still lacking in several areas.
Evra’s shock at Hull defeat
Evra was shocked at how United were bullied by the newly promoted Tigers and was particularly concerned by the performance of Luke Shaw. The England international appeared to have overcome the fitness issues that have plagued his career and appeared in all 38 Premier League games last term.
Evra, however, fears time is catching up with Shaw and has urged United to make one last effort to sign Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall, valued at £70million, before next week’s transfer deadline.
Speaking on his Kick Stream, Evra said: ‘[Hull City vs Man United] was one of the worst starts I’ve ever seen from Man United. We weren’t that bad at the start of last season.
‘People have to understand, Man United were going to a newly promoted side who had nothing to lose, it was never going to be easy if you’re not focused. People laugh about Harry Maguire [hugging his teammate] but sometimes you get paralysed on the pitch when defending. I won’t laugh about it, because I wasn’t on the pitch at the time.’
Shaw ‘traumatised’ by injuries
‘What I’m really disappointed about is all the back passes in that game. Luke Shaw, I love you, but it’s going to be a tough season for him. Why? He’s been at the club for years, he’s had a lot of injuries that killed his football career. When I talk with him, he’s still traumatised by [the injuries], he wouldn’t go 100% into every challenge.
‘I have to tell the truth. Man United fans want to hear my opinion, and I think [Luke Shaw’s] time has gone. Don’t get me wrong, he might have a great game next game, but I don’t care. If Luke Shaw can give me a 35-game season, then that’s a good season. I don’t care if he has 10 good games and three bad ones, if he doesn’t play at least 35 games in a row, Man United fans will go crazy. He’s lucky because he’s English.
‘I love Luke Shaw, but I love Man United even more, that’s why I’m saying they need another left-back.’
Hall the perfect solution?
Asked if Hall would represent the perfect solution, he added: ‘That’s what I wanted. [Lewis Hall] is a great player, we’re talking about consistency.
‘In the game against Liverpool, he gave away a penalty, but I don’t care. He gives you 90 minutes, guaranteed, that’s the kind of left-back Man United need. Before me, Denis Irwin was Man United’s best left-back, he could score goals and play either side, and every game.
‘Since I’ve left, Man United have had 20 people play in my position, no one has replaced me. Why? Consistency- that’s what is missing at Man United. The best left-back Man United have had since I’ve left is Ashley Young.’
