For many, Manchester United’s problems at left-back were foreseeable and should have been resolved during the summer transfer window.
United’s deadline-day discussions with Manchester City regarding Algeria international Rayan Ait-Nouri indicate that the club recognized the position as a possible concern.
Shaw started every one of last season’s 38 Premier League fixtures and the opening three matches of this campaign, but he has featured only twice since. His total number of absences could reach double digits before the 31-year-old is available again.
Diogo Dalot’s appearance at left-back against Leeds made him the fifth different player to start in that position for United across six matches.
Of those five options, Shaw is the only player considered a natural left-back.
There were claims that Martinez’s angry reaction after the loss to Atletico Madrid was partly related to 20-year-old Ayden Heaven being deployed at left-back. However, sources noted that the youngster played in that position more frequently than at centre-back during his time in Arsenal’s academy.
Reports during the summer also indicated that United’s coaching staff felt 19-year-old Harry Amass, who filled in for Shaw during pre-season, had not yet reached the required standard.
Amass has made only one appearance this season, coming on for the final 18 minutes against Sabah, which appears to support that assessment. Carrick, however, has offered a different view.
“He is firmly in the running,” Carrick said.
“Young players eventually need to be given an opportunity. The challenge is choosing the right moment.
“Sometimes that chance comes because another player suffers an unfortunate setback. On other occasions, your performances are so impressive that we simply have to select you.
“The young players are all in roughly the same position. Around four, five or six of them are attempting to take the next step, earn a place in the team and start matches, and Harry is certainly among that group.”
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