Luke Shaw has suffered a difficult time at Manchester United, but has been crucial this season.
Luke Shaw joined Manchester United in the summer of 2014 - almost 12 years ago - for a fee of £27 million, a fee that made him the most expensive teenager in world football. He was expected to be a part of the team that would quickly return the club to the top after a poor year under David Moyes. But that was not quite the case.
Shaw struggled to become a regular player in his first year, with several established players ahead of him (Daley Blind and Ashley Young), but went into his second year with much promise. However, that was lost in September when the youngster was brought down by a PSV Eindhoven defender, breaking his leg. Shaw played just eight games that season.
While he has had several impressive stints in a United shirt, eventually, they have all come to an end because of the recurring injury issues, which all seem to stem back to that leg break in 2015. The England international is believed to have missed 306 games for the Red Devils, although he has started every Premier League match this campaign.
Under Rúben Amorim, Shaw was key on the left side of central defence, especially with Lisandro Martínez being out injured for much of the first half of the season. When Michael Carrick took over, some expected Shaw to be dropped for Patrick Dorgu, but the young Dane was pushed forward to the left wing, allowing Shaw to keep his place on the left side of defence.
In 2023, Shaw signed a new contract to keep him at Old Trafford until June 2027. Unlike most other contracts at Old Trafford, it is believed Shaw's deal does not contain the option of another year, although this has not be confirmed.
"I’m thrilled to be extending my stay," Shaw said in 2023. "I’ve grown immensely since coming to Manchester all those years ago, both as a person and as a player; I know what is needed to succeed at a club like this."
What will happen to Shaw next season?
This season, Shaw has played 33 games (and counting); in 2024/25, he made just 12, with only 14 in 2023/24. Rather than turning over a new leaf, this seems to be a pattern Shaw follows. He struggles for fitness for 18-24 months before establishing himself as a first-team regular.
United cannot afford to have any more defensive troubles, going into a season where they look set to return to the Champions League, potentially playing over 60 games, rather than just 40 this year.
Matthijs de Ligt has been out injured since November 30 with a 'back issue'. Amorim said the Dutchman would only miss one game, having played every Premier League minute before his injury. Yet, he is still absent. Recently, the club provided an update on his status. Leny Yoro is also out injured, while Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez have been suspended, too.
Noussair Mazraoui was forced into central defence against Chelsea alongside Ayden Heaven. While the two played well and kept a clean sheet, Michael Carrick and Jason Wilcox will be wary that this cannot happen again, especially if United are to be playing two/three games a week next season.
The Red Devils have been linked to centre-backs and left-backs for the upcoming summer transfer window. A new left-back could force Shaw to the bench, although the profiles they have been linked to suggest that Shaw may start the season as the first choice.
Roundtable understands that Patrick Dorgu could return against Liverpool on Sunday, 3 May, but his position is unknown. He has only played as a left-winger under Michael Carrick, leaving Shaw as the only senior left-back. Still, United are eyeing left-wingers this summer, suggesting Dorgu may return in defence.
With so many other things to focus on this summer, Shaw is unlikely to be sold. So, that means he enters the final year of his Manchester United contract.
Has Shaw earned a new contract?
Harry Maguire signed a new deal with United earlier this month, having been available to clubs on a free transfer since the beginning of the year. Leaving Maguire's future up in the air was a risk from the club, but it allowed them to assess their options and allowed Maguire to focus on his football. After Amorim's sacking, Maguire returned to the starting lineup and has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League since coming back.
"Harry represents the mentality and resilience required to perform for Manchester United," said director of football Jason Wilcox. "He is the ultimate professional who brings invaluable experience and leadership to our young, ambitious squad."
A similar approach should be taken with Luke Shaw. He has had similar praise regarding his mentality and leadership within the squad, being named in Erik ten Hag's leadership group before the Dutchman was dismissed.
Shaw's injury issues mean clubs are unlikely to take a gamble on him and offer him a deal before the season ends, especially given he will be close to turning 32 at the end of next campaign.
United will be afforded the time, like they were with Maguire. And they must use it.