‘Ten Hag has no alternatives’ – Man Utd to dump ‘poor, poor’ starter

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 24 Mar 2023 22:21 GMT
• 4 min read

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will be looking to make at least one change in his starting XI next season, according to one former England international.

The Dutchman will axe Luke Shaw as soon as he gets an opportunity, according to 18-time capped Three Lions striker Carlton Palmer, who described the left-back as a “poor, poor player”.

Shaw has found himself in the spotlight not because of poor performance at Old Trafford, where he has been a regular under Ten Hag, but following his dismissal for England against Italy in Thursday’s 2-1 victory.

MORE: Man Utd ready to make Joao Felix U-turn

The full-back saw two yellow cards in a matter of minutes to get his marching orders late in the game, leaving England clinging on after a powerful start saw them lead 2-0.

Palmer was not impressed by the former Southampton man.

Speaking to TalkSport, he said: “I don’t know how Shaw gets away with it, I really don’t.

MORE: Virus could save Man Utd millions

“I think he’s a poor, poor defender. I think he’s had a decent season at United, but I think he’s a poor defender. Every time he comes up and has had asked the question about defending, he can’t, he fails.

“How he doesn’t get sent off more often, I don’t know. I hear all the arguments about Trent Alexander-Arnold and I see that he has some defensive frailties but I think he’s a terrific player and offers a lot going forward.”

’Ten Hag will sign a left-back’

Presenter Jim White tried to argue that Ten Hag’s faith in the 27-year-old is proof of his quality, but Palmer was having none of it.

“No, Ten Hag hasn’t got any other alternatives at the moment,” he responded.

“I think next season when they will be genuinely going to have a tilt at the title, I think they will have brought in another left-back.

“I look at him, I don’t think he looks fit. First and foremost, he’s in the United side or England side to defend, and I look at him whenever he’s asked to defend…

“I mean it would upset me to be honest with you. If I’m not playing well like Harry Maguire, but if he’s being picked ahead of me at centre-back, I’d have gone and knocked on the door and I’d have been away.”

Shaw has played 35 times for Manchester United this season and aside from a brief spell at the start of the campaign has been first pick ahead of Tyrell Malacia.