Manchester United's Left-Back Dilemma: Parker's Call for Change
Manchester United’s defensive rebuild has hit a blunt, unforgiving verdict from Parker, who has serious doubts about the options at left-back as the club reshapes its squad under Carrick.
Luke Shaw, a £30 million signing back in 2014, finally managed to start all 38 league games last season for the first time in his United career. The durability improved. The faith did not. His performances, in Parker’s eyes, still haven’t justified his status as first choice.
Speaking to Betarades.gr, Parker was adamant United must act if Shaw is used higher up the pitch.
“If the plan is to play him as a winger, then the club seriously needs a new left back because Luke Shaw isn’t good enough,” he said. “They really need a mobile fullback with agility who can defend properly as well and a player who can do a job up and down the pitch.”
United have already been scouring the market for that profile. Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall and Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly have both been linked with moves to Old Trafford as the club looks to refresh its backline.
The problem? Hall will not come cheap. The Newcastle prospect is valued at around £60m, and the club are reluctant to sell. Any deal would be complex and costly, hardly the straightforward fix fans might crave.
Parker, though, sees no way around it. For him, replacing the current starter is non-negotiable if Carrick is serious about tightening up United’s defence. His assessment of Shaw left no room for interpretation.
“Luke Shaw can’t run and he can’t defend or attack, so what do you need him for? Dalot is always going to be an issue when he plays as well, especially if they play him on the left back,” Parker said, turning the spotlight on both fullbacks.
If the transfer window does not deliver the solution, Parker believes the answer may already be in United’s own system.
He is pushing hard for teenager Harry Amass to be trusted with a genuine first-team chance instead of Shaw.
“I saw Harry Amass play a couple of games for Sheffield Wednesday and up until the injury all the Wednesday fans were completely raving about him,” Parker recalled. “Absolutely raving about him, so maybe it is time to give him the opportunity? The club should be better at introducing young players like him and give them a run. In my opinion, he needs a run, not just a couple of games.”
That is the crossroads United now face as the transfer deadline looms. Carrick must decide whether to gamble big on Hall, pivot to alternative defensive targets, or take the bolder internal route and fast-track Amass.
The new season is closing in. United’s backline, and perhaps their entire campaign, will be shaped by what they choose to do next on that vulnerable left side.
