Luke Shaw reacts to Harry Maguire’s ‘amazing’ Man United message
Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw both face uncertain futures at Manchester United as Ruben Amorim’s Old Trafford rebuild takes shape.
The Red Devils are only two matches into Amorim‘s first pre-season in charge after a dismal end to his first campaign, but the new-look Man United have looked solid so far with more additions in the pipeline.
Matheus Cunha and newest signing Bryan Mbeumo are yet to play together, but several components of Amorim’s first-choice side are being developed ahead of their Premier League opener against Arsenal.
Rasmus Hojlund has been given a lifeline to keep his place in the team amid Man United’s struggles to bring in a new striker, but further back, the likes of Shaw and Maguire may not be so lucky next season.
Maguire and Shaw play bit-part role in Man United victory
Although he came up with vital goals to help save Amorim and Man United’s bacon last season, Maguire has been limited to just 52 minutes of action this summer and couldn’t complete a full half against Leeds.
Maguire was late in travelling to the US for Man United’s Premier League Summer Series matches after their first friendly, and was one of 11 changes made in the second half of their 2-1 win over West Ham.
Bruno Fernandes’ double featured an fifth-minute penalty past Alphonse Areola before doubling United’s lead early in the second half, but he and Amorim’s starting defence were all replaced on 66 minutes.
Maguire, Shaw and Tyler Fredericson all came on for Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and and Ayden Heaven, and United’s number five posted on Instagram (27 July) after helping them see out the victory.
In a post liked by his fellow substitute Shaw, Maguire said: “Amazing atmosphere at the MetLife stadium – Thanks for your support. Next stop Chicago”.
Amorim leaves writing on the wall for Shaw at Man United
Football Insider Verdict
Although Lisandro Martinez will remain on the sidelines until the new year after an ACL injury, Heaven’s emergence as a potential starter leaves Maguire and Shaw well down defensive pecking order at United.
Man United’s move for Antonee Robinson could spell the end for Shaw at Old Trafford after the arrivals of fellow left-back Diego Leon and Patrick Dorgu in 2025, even without considering his fitness issues.
Shaw has featured just 11 times since Amorim took charge last November and certainly doesn’t look like a candidate to suit his wing-back dependent system, and with Tyrell Malacia already on the outer this summer, Shaw’s cards could also be marked.