Luke Shaw Faces Uncertain Future After Disastrous Pre-Season Display Under Amorim
Manchester United’s goalless pre-season draw against Leeds United has triggered major concerns, particularly regarding Luke Shaw’s poor performance, which has reportedly left new manager Rúben Amorim deeply disappointed.
Though pre-season games are often about building fitness and testing tactics, for Amorim, this match served as an opportunity to evaluate which players were ready to meet his demanding standards. Unfortunately for Shaw, he fell well short of expectations.
According to reports from sources close to the dressing room, Amorim was openly critical of Shaw’s display during the match at Stockholm’s Strawberry Arena.
The Portuguese coach, known for his high standards in terms of fitness, intensity, and tactical discipline, was said to be especially frustrated by Shaw’s sluggishness, lack of sharpness, and absence of attacking ambition.
One insider revealed that Amorim even went as far as telling his coaching staff, “I don’t think I will be needing him anymore.”
Shaw’s underwhelming performance was highlighted by several glaring issues: he repeatedly lost possession, struggled to track back when Leeds launched counter-attacks, and failed to make any meaningful offensive contributions.
For a left-back in Amorim’s system—where full-backs are expected to press high, overlap regularly, and maintain energy throughout—this kind of display was unacceptable.
The reaction from Manchester United fans has been swift and unforgiving. Many took to social media to echo Amorim’s frustration, criticizing Shaw for looking out of shape and mentally unprepared. Comments such as, “Same old Luke Shaw.
Lazy tracking back, slow in transition—this is pre-season? Imagine when the real games start,” and “Time to move on from Shaw. We need younger, hungrier players,” flooded platforms like X and Instagram.
Shaw, once seen as a key figure in United’s defense, has faced a career plagued by inconsistency and injuries.
While he enjoyed moments of brilliance—most notably during the Euro 2020 tournament and parts of the 2020/21 season—these flashes have not been sustained.
At 29 years old, his £20 million market value still makes him an attractive option for some clubs, but whether United will find takers remains to be seen.
With Tyrell Malacia still sidelined by injury, United had hoped Shaw could step up during pre-season.
However, with the club now being linked to younger left-backs such as Miguel Gutiérrez and Milos Kerkez, Shaw’s place in the squad looks increasingly precarious.
If he fails to show rapid improvement, he could soon find himself relegated to a backup role—or even pushed toward the exit.
This situation is more than just a typical pre-season hiccup; it’s a clear warning shot from Amorim to the entire squad.
The new manager has made it obvious that reputation and seniority won’t protect underperforming players. Anyone failing to meet his expectations will be sidelined, regardless of past achievements.
For Luke Shaw, the message is stark: Adapt, improve, or leave.
