Ralf Rangnick suggested Manchester United needed to replace Luke Shaw with a younger left-back before he took over in 2021. The German coach made the observation over a year before he was appointed as interim boss, claiming that the defender is not on "the same kind of level" that he once was.
Discussing the England international, Rangnick said: "I think on the market there are quite a few interesting young central defenders. I also think that they could do with a left-back. I know they have Luke Shaw, but I’m not so sure if he’s still on the same kind of level that you need to be for a club like Manchester United."
Resurfaced advice after failed transfer window
This footage has resurfaced after United failed to sign a new left-back before the transfer window closed last week. Michael Carrick targeted the midfield during the summer, signing Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba. He also added Karl Darlow to the goalkeeping department, but his pursuit of various left-backs failed to materialise.
Newcastle's Lewis Hall was the main priority for Carrick, but the Magpies shut down any chance of a transfer. Alejandro Balde from Barcelona was seen as an alternative, but the Spaniard remained at the Spotify Camp Nou on deadline day. The lack of a left-back signing has only been amplified by Shaw's poor performances in the opening two Premier League games of the 2026/27 season.
Criticism from Wayne Rooney and Shaw's own admission
United legend Wayne Rooney slammed the England international's reaction time during the club's 2-0 loss to Hull City. He said: "This is schoolboy defending from Luke Shaw. Man United had a good line, Hull would have been waiting for this all day. Luke Shaw drops in, he’s five yards behind his back line and if the ball is good enough, which it was, it’s impossible to stop."
While United returned to winning ways with a 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town, Shaw was critical of his own performance after allowing the Tractor Boys to score first. He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I'm disappointed in myself. With my experience, I must be doing much better for their first goal. That's not me."
Concerns over squad depth
Shaw became just the fifth United outfield player to start every match of the Premier League season last campaign and looked back to his best. But with the club back in the Champions League and Patrick Dorgu considered an option further forward on the left flank, there are concerns United have left themselves light in the position.
