One of Michael Carrick’s most important Manchester United stars has been told what he needs to do for the remainder of the season.
Towards the end of Rúben Amorim’s tenure, Manchester United hit a new low with poor performance after poor performance. Under Darren Fletcher, form improved, but they still couldn’t get a win over the line. But under Michael Carrick, United have been reborn.
After just three days of training, Carrick led United to an unbelievable derby day win against Manchester City at Old Trafford, before seeing off Arsenal with a last-minute winner courtesy of Matheus Cunha.
More recent performances haven’t quite hit the same heights, but the United squad are still impressing, even some who weren’t given a shot under Amorim.
Kobbie Mainoo, who hadn’t started a Premier League game this season before Carrick’s arrival, has played almost every minute of Carrick’s tenure, impressing alongside the outgoing Casemiro.
But it is another United star who has impressed former Manchester City and England player and coach Stuart Pearce.
Shaw could return to England duty
Much of Luke Shaw’s Manchester United career has been plagued by injury, following his horrific leg break in the Europa League. His 2024/25 campaign was limited to just 12 appearances, with only 15 in 2023/24.
But his form this season has impressed many, including Stuart Pearce, who has tipped Shaw for a return to the England squad, despite not being back to his complete best just yet.
Speaking to The Sun, he said: “If Manchester United carry on the ascension that they’re on at the moment, you have got to talk about Luke Shaw [for England duty].
“He’s got experience at the tournaments. When he’s been out of the England side, we’ve missed him. He’s a rounded left-back.
“More to the point, when you compare him to some of the others around, nobody probably had really nailed their colours to the mast in regards to playing there.
“Tino Livramento has come in as have Myles Lewis-Skelly and Nico O’Reilly. There’s a lot of players there that are good options.
“But I’m sure if Luke Shaw recovers the form we know he can, he could be the No .1 left-back.”
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United would prefer Shaw to stay
Playing for his country clearly means a great deal for Shaw, but there is no doubt people at United would prefer if he stayed at the club this summer, rather than risking an injury on international duty, as he did in 2024.
However, even if he does get picked, Shaw might not be a key player. Instead, he may be picked for his mentality and leadership.
Pearce continued: “I worked with him at Under-21 level. I know his mentality. More to the point, I don’t think there’s been another left-back that has come along that has made us say, we can’t stop thinking about Luke Shaw.
“He’s a good member of the squad, 100 per cent. We’ve seen that with Jordan Henderson. The manager brought Henderson into the squad as much for what he is like as a person.”
Shaw’s leadership will also be crucial at Old Trafford next season, with so many younger players in the squad, who may not have played in the Champions League or Europa League before.
With Casemiro already confirmed to be leaving in the summer and Harry Maguire’s contract expiring, keeping hold of Shaw could be crucial for the dressing room.
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