Luke Shaw to Miss Champions League Opener for Manchester United
Luke Shaw is expected to sit out Manchester United’s Champions League opener against Sabah on Thursday, leaving Michael Carrick exposed in a position the club failed to reinforce in the summer.
The 31-year-old did not take part in United’s final session on Wednesday morning, which was designated as a recovery and rest day for the squad. His absence comes at a delicate moment in the schedule, with United hosting Manchester City on Sunday. City, having beaten Porto on Tuesday night, walk into the derby with two extra days’ recovery.
Carrick’s Late Changes Under Scrutiny
Shaw’s situation is framed by the chaos of Sunday at Everton. United were 2-1 up at the Hill Dickinson Stadium when Carrick turned to his bench in stoppage time. Shaw was withdrawn in the 91st minute, Diogo Dalot also came off, and centre back Leny Yoro was introduced as United tried to see the game out.
They didn’t.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles struck in the 95th minute to snatch a 2-2 draw, and Carrick’s reshuffle at the back immediately came under fire. Former United captain Gary Neville led the criticism, questioning the wisdom of disrupting both full-back positions so late in the game.
Noussair Mazraoui, who replaced Shaw on the left, was involved in the decisive moment, inadvertently diverting the ball into Maitland-Niles’ path for the equaliser. It was a small touch with big consequences, and it underlined just how fragile United’s defensive structure can look when Shaw is not on the pitch.
A Summer Gamble at Left Back
United’s lack of depth at left back is no accident; it is the result of a summer window that never quite delivered in that area. The club explored a move for Newcastle’s Lewis Hall but were given short shrift and walked away without an alternative.
That decision now looms large.
Shaw remains the only senior, natural left back in the squad. Behind him, 19-year-old Harry Amass is the only specialist back-up, and even that is on paper rather than in practice. Amass has not played for United since May 2025, having spent last season on loan in the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich City.
His campaign was cut short by a hamstring injury at Norwich in January, and he has not played since. Throwing him straight into a Champions League opener, or a derby against City, would be a huge leap.
United did have other options on the table. Arsenal offered left back Myles Lewis-Skelly, but the asking price – in excess of £50million – forced United to walk away. The club decided to hold their ground. Now they are left hoping Shaw’s absence is brief rather than the start of a longer problem.
With Sabah arriving in Europe’s elite competition and City looming on Sunday, Carrick must patch together a solution at left back from Mazraoui and makeshift options. For a club chasing ground at home and abroad, that is a risk that can quickly define a season.
