Paul Parker has called on Manchester United to make a change at left back, saying Luke Shaw is not good enough and arguing that Michael Carrick needs a new option before the new campaign begins.
The former Manchester United defender was speaking after recent reports that Myles Lewis-Skelly had been offered to the club, with left back still viewed as an area that could be strengthened as Carrick prepares for his first full season in charge. United have already added to the squad in midfield and brought in Karl Darlow as back-up to Senne Lammens, but Parker believes another move is still needed on the left side of defence.
Why Parker thinks United need a change
Parker was blunt about Shaw's role and whether the England defender should continue as a regular starter. He said he does not know where Shaw is going to play, suggesting that if the plan is to use him as a winger, then United seriously need a new left back because Shaw is not good enough.
He went on to say the team needs a mobile fullback with agility who can defend properly and also do a job up and down the pitch. In Parker's view, Shaw does not offer enough in either direction. His verdict was simple: Shaw cannot run, and he cannot defend or attack, so United need to look elsewhere.
The Shaw context
Shaw joined Manchester United in 2014 for £30million, and last season he started all 38 league matches for the club for the first time since arriving. That makes Parker's criticism notable, because it is aimed at a player who was heavily used across the full league campaign.
Even so, Parker believes United should move on from that reliance and either bring in a new left back or turn to a younger internal option. He pointed specifically to Harry Amass, saying he had seen him play a couple of games for Sheffield Wednesday and that fans there were raving about him before the injury.
Amass as an alternative
Parker suggested it may be time to give Amass an opportunity, and added that the club should be better at introducing young players and giving them a run. Still, he made clear he doubts United will take that route, which is why he feels they have to bring in a left back.
For now, the message from Parker is straightforward. Manchester United are rebuilding under Carrick, and while the club has already addressed other areas, left back remains a position that could still shape the shape of the squad before the new season starts.
