Manchester United defender Luke Shaw missed the team's training session on Thursday night, sparking concerns over a left-back shortage ahead of their Champions League opener. The absence of the 31-year-old veteran comes just days before United host Sabah at Old Trafford in European competition.
Club sources told the Daily Mail Sport that Wednesday had been a designated rest day for Shaw. His non-participation in Thursday's preparations adds to the defensive puzzle for head coach Michael Carrick. Shaw started every Premier League match for United last season and was only replaced by Noussair Mazraoui in added time during Sunday's 2-2 draw at Everton.
Why is Luke Shaw's absence significant?
Shaw's potential unavailability creates a genuine selection headache for Carrick. The club decided against signing cover for the left-back position during the recent transfer window, despite showing interest in Newcastle's Lewis Hall. United also rejected an opportunity to sign Rayan Ait-Nouri on loan from rivals Manchester City. This leaves Carrick with limited experienced options in that specific role as his team sits 11th in the Premier League with 4 points from three games.
The squad's current form reads DWL, having scored 7 goals but conceded 6 for a +1 goal difference. They are already 5 points behind league leaders Manchester City, whom they face next at home on September 13th. You can track their progress in the standings.
What are Manchester United's left-back alternatives?
Carrick addressed the issue directly at his pre-match press conference. "We obviously had certain things that we needed to fill and try and improve the group," he said. "Largely, I think we're in a good place."
The manager pointed to squad flexibility as a potential solution. "We've got pretty good balance within the whole squad; dynamics, strengths, what we might need in certain games," Carrick explained. "So, we've got players that are flexible as well throughout the whole team that can play in different positions as and when and if we need it. As you go through a season, you always need that."
Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot are both capable of playing on the opposite flank if required. Academy product Harry Amass stayed with the club but remains untested at this level. Patrick Dorgu, who is capable of playing left back, has been used in a more advanced role under Carrick and has been injured for some time, featuring only three or four times last season.
How does this affect squad planning?
The situation highlights the risks of a thin squad in a key area. New £70million midfielder Carlos Baleba, currently out until October, could theoretically be used as an auxiliary left-back upon his return, but that is not his natural position. The immediate concern is for the Sabah match and the demanding schedule that follows.
United's injury list, which you can view on our injuries page, already includes Tom Heaton, Amad Diallo, Marcus Rashford, and Manuel Ugarte. Adding Shaw to that group would be a significant blow. The team's next fixture is a massive test against the league leaders, and all available defensive resources will be needed.
Carrick must now decide whether to risk Shaw if he recovers, shift a player out of position, or promote a youth option. The decision will be revealed when team sheets are submitted before the Champions League curtain-raiser at Old Trafford. Fans can check the latest team news and the full squad list for updates.
