Having quickly come to the conclusion that Ruben Amorim, like previous Manchester United managers, will not be able to rely on Luke Shaw, INEOS are scouring the market for alternatives.
The 29-year-old’s last club start came on February 18 due to his unrelenting injury setbacks, and unless he returns to full fitness in the coming weeks, he could well go a full year without being named in a United starting XI.
Amorim was able to utilise Shaw three times after he took the reins in November, all of which were through half-hour cameos off the bench to manage his minutes. Then, after a 4-0 win over Everton at the beginning of December, it was confirmed that he would oversee another spell on the sidelines. It remains to be seen when he’ll be available for selection again.
As such, the board are seemingly resigned to the fact that Shaw must be replaced – despite him being contracted to the club until June 2027.
United shortlist Nuno Mendes as potential Shaw successor
French football expert Fabrice Hawkins revealed last Friday that Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes had emerged as an option for United after his talks over a new deal reached a ‘standstill’. The 22-year-old, who made 47 appearances under Amorim for Sporting Lisbon, is now considering a move away from the Parc des Princes.
He believes that the salary being offered by PSG does not accurately reflect the integral starting role he plays under Luis Enrique. Mendes’ terms are poised to expire in 2026, which could force the Ligue 1 club’s hand into sanctioning his exit to avoid him running down his deal and leaving for nothing.
Today, Fabrizio Romano (via GiveMeSport) has provided a welcome update to the United faithful by confirming a new left-back is ‘in United’s plans’. Not only that but he’s verified that the Portugal international is indeed an option being considered by INEOS’ transfer chiefs, as Romano adds that Mendes ‘is a player United appreciate ahead of the January transfer window’.
