Ruben Amorim has just wrapped up his first press conference of the 2025/26 season, and there’s already plenty to unpack.
Every position at Manchester United seems to be up for debate this summer, leaving Amorim with several key decisions to make before the season begins.
After last season’s disappointing campaign, very few players have locked down their spots. This summer is being treated as a clean slate for anyone involved in the US tour.
That includes players who, just a year ago, appeared to be nearing the end of their time at Old Trafford. Casemiro, Harry Maguire and Mason Mount are among those who seem revitalised under Amorim.
While he spoke positively about Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha during the presser, it was his praise for another player that stood out.
Ruben Amorim backs Luke Shaw but wants him to stay fit
Speaking from Chicago to MUTV before United’s match against West Ham, Amorim touched on a range of topics. But when the conversation turned to Luke Shaw, his response drew particular attention.
“I think Luke Shaw is a world-class player, that is my feeling”, Amorim began to explain.
“When he touches the ball, the ability to play one against one and you can feel in the small things. England have reached two finals, and he had issues during the season, but in the final he’s always there.
“That means something, but he needs to be fit and train always in the limits. I think he is doing that at the moment, so he is a great player, but he has competition this season, I am really pleased with Luke.”
Shaw’s abilities are often overlooked because of his injury record. But Amorim clearly sees value in what the left-back brings when healthy, even pointing to his contributions for England as evidence.
Luke Shaw’s playing time may be limited this season
Shaw has had periods where he was an automatic pick for United, especially when the club didn’t have many other options at left-back.
But under Amorim, the situation has changed. The manager noted that there’s now plenty of competition in the roles Shaw might fill.
Dorgu is more suited to playing as a wing-back, and it’s hard to see Shaw fitting into that role under Amorim.
Even in the left-sided centre-back position, Ayden Heaven and Lisandro Martinez are both more natural fits for that spot, which again leaves questions about where Shaw fits into a full-strength squad.
With his contract running until 2027 and no move expected unless something unexpected happens – like interest from Saudi Arabia – he’ll likely stay as a squad player over the next two seasons. However, staying fit remains his biggest challenge.
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