Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has urged manager Michael Carrick to replace Luke Shaw, insisting the 31-year-old left-back is 'not good enough' to be the club's first choice heading into the new campaign. Parker's comments come as United prepare for Carrick's first full season in charge, with the club already making significant moves in the transfer market.
United's Summer Rebuilding Under Carrick
Manchester United have prioritised bolstering their midfield options following the departure of Casemiro. The club have secured the signings of Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa. Additionally, goalkeeper Karl Darlow has arrived from Leeds United to serve as back-up to Senne Lammens, who impressed in his debut season at Old Trafford.
Despite these additions, United remain keen to strengthen further, with left-back identified as a key area for improvement. Newcastle United's Lewis Hall has been linked with a move, while Myles Lewis-Skelly was reportedly offered to the club in recent days.
Parker's Verdict on Shaw and Alternatives
Shaw started all 38 league matches last season for the first time since joining for £30million in 2014, but Parker believes that is not enough to justify his place. Speaking to Betarades.gr, Parker said: 'I expect from Patrick Dorgu what I saw from him before he got injured, but I need to see it on a regular basis. I don't know where he is going to play. Will he play at left back or as a winger? I think it will be as a winger.'
'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. 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. 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.'
Harry Amass as an Option
If United do not sign a replacement, Parker wants teenager Harry Amass to be given a chance. '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. 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.'
'Something needs to happen and in my opinion they have to bring in a left back or decide to play Amass there, but I just doubt they will do it which is the reason I said they have to bring in a left back.'
Reservations on Andrey Santos
Parker also expressed doubts about the signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea. 'The Andrey Santos signing did catch me by surprise. I was with a friend the other day who is a big Chelsea fan and goes to all the games, so I asked him about Andrey Santos. I just said that he should tell me about Andrey Santos but he couldn't tell me much because he said Santos didn't start many games, which I can obviously see myself as well.'
'So, I am hoping it is a Michael Carrick signing rather than other people in the club just wanting him, but I still need to see more from Andrey Santos before I can give a proper verdict. I can't really remember him that much to be honest and I think a lot of people are feeling the same. Is he going to be one of the starting eleven? I actually hope so, because it is not good enough if he was just brought in to be a squad player. We don't need that kind of player coming in.'
