Rooney warns Man United not to depend on Shaw for full season

Wayne Rooney has warned Manchester United that Luke Shaw cannot be their only dependable option at left-back for the full season. The former United captain believes the club must strengthen before the September 1 transfer deadline because Shaw has struggled to stay fit and maintain consistency over a campaign.

Rooney made the comments on his podcast while discussing United’s squad needs. He identified Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly as a player who could solve more than one problem for Michael Carrick’s side, with the youngster able to operate at left-back and in central midfield.

The recommendation reflects what Rooney sees as two areas where United lack depth. He said Shaw had enjoyed a strong previous season overall, but also referred to the defender’s performance against AC Milan as evidence that United still need greater security in the position. His main concern, however, was Shaw’s ability to remain available and perform consistently throughout the season.

Lewis-Skelly’s versatility is central to Rooney’s argument. A move for the Arsenal player would give United an alternative at left-back while also adding another midfield option. Rooney considers the player young, capable of improving further and potentially available for a relatively low fee, making him a practical target in his view.

Carrick has also acknowledged that United require additional recruitment. He said last week that the club was continuing to search for more additions and wanted to put the squad in the strongest possible position before the new season. Carrick also stressed that United must push to compete for every objective while recognising the team’s recent history.

The issue leaves Shaw’s fitness and reliability at the centre of United’s planning. Rooney’s assessment is that the club should not build its season around the expectation that the England international will cover the position without interruption, and that a player with Lewis-Skelly’s positional range could provide important protection.