Rio Ferdinand names Luke Shaw as the only Manchester United star who should start every week for Rúben Amorim.
Luke Shaw’s journey at Manchester United can be summed up in two words: a rollercoaster. Once a teenager with prodigious promise, he now embodies the calm, steady authority of a seasoned professional.
Shaw’s story is a study in patience. Criticism, constant scrutiny, and the high expectations of United could have derailed many, but he has outlasted managers, and whenever a period of change happens, he is firmly part of the project.
Discussing Shaw’s impact this season, Rúben Amorim said: “For me, I said already, I think he is a world-class player. When he touches the ball, and the ability to play one against one…”
His reliability has skyrocketed – helped by United only playing one game a week – a relief for Amorim. With youngsters like Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro in the first-team fold, Shaw is leading by example – still performing at the top level, but also offering advice when needed.
Ferdinand’s fervent praise
Shaw has often come under criticism during his time at United, with many focusing on his injury problems since his devastating leg break in the Europa League. But Rio Ferdinand appears to hold a different view.
On the Inside Carrington podcast, Ferdinand’s admiration for Shaw was palpable. “I have always been one of those guys who said if Luke Shaw’s fit, he plays for me. He is either a left-back or a left-over three. Every facet of his game is solid,” Ferdinand said.
“He is really good on the ball. One-against-one situations, he is really good as well. And there is a calmness – and an authority – with the way he plays in the team now at this age, which I think is really good,” he added. The words were not just praise – they were recognition of Shaw’s evolution from a luminary to a leader.
“I think the introduction of the two young guys [Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro], it’s been good. And they’re going to need time. And I think that’s what… I think that Phil [Jones] could attest to this as well.
“When you come into a team, and Phil came into a more confident winning team, which is different again, but you still need time to, like you were saying before, adapt.
Ferdinand also highlighted the importance of senior figures for younger players breaking into the first team. “You need the right senior players around you to be able to lean on you when you need it, to pick you up and pull you along when you need it,” he said. In Shaw, Manchester United’s rising stars, including Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro, have exactly that: a compass-in-cleats.
England Return on the Horizon?
If form and fitness continue, a recall to the England squad feels inevitable. Tuchel appears to be reliant on Jordan Henderson for reasons of leadership, experience, and communication. Shaw can offer those same attributes and more. He is also versatile, and in tournament football, versatility is crucial.
England do not have as many defensive options as they do midfield options, and bringing in Shaw as one of the figurehead characters, instead of Henderson, could make room for Phil Foden – a player who has been overlooked since Tuchel took charge.
Shaw’s composure and tactical understanding allow younger talents to play with freedom, while he anchors the team and provides balance. He can slot into a back three, cover at left-back, or support wider defensive structures – giving the manager options in a squad short on versatile defensive choices.
A call-up would not just reward his performances – it would recognise his consistency and character. He is ready to make an impact at both club and international level.
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