Ferdinand urges United to seek Shaw understudy as budget stalls

Rio Ferdinand defended Luke Shaw after Manchester United’s 5-2 win over Ipswich (Picture: Rio Ferdinand Presents), insisting the England left‑back does not need a replacement before the summer deadline. He urged United to find an understudy rather than a direct swap, citing the club’s limited budget and Shaw’s consistency over the past year.

Shaw’s recent criticism

Shaw and the rest of Michael Carrick’s squad came under heavy criticism after a 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Hull City in the Premier League opener last weekend. The loss sparked calls for change, yet Ferdinand argued a single poor performance should not dictate the left‑back’s future.

Ipswich match details

In the Ipswich game the 31‑year‑old was beaten on the wing by Abdul Fatawu, who set up Leif Davis’ strike in the 29th minute on Sunday afternoon. Bruno Fernandes and Co turned the tide with a stunning hat‑trick, securing United’s first win of the campaign. After the game, Carrick took Shaw off for Noussair Mazraoui with 17 minutes remaining of normal time, one of five changes made by the United head coach in a breathless second half at the Theatre of Dreams.

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Ferdinand later launched an impassioned defence of Shaw on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, calling the England full‑back one of United’s most consistent performers over the last twelve months. He warned that “it’s like £60m we’d have to pay” for a ready‑made replacement, a sum the club cannot afford after reinforcing the midfield.

The former defender added that United should look for a left‑back to “bed in over time” rather than force the club’s longest‑serving player out. He highlighted that the volume of games this season means Shaw cannot be expected to play every minute, reinforcing the need for a reliable understudy.

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United have been linked with Newcastle left‑back Lewis Hall, but Newcastle have reportedly ruled out a move. Ferdinand also noted that Harry Amass does not appear to be the right fit at present, leaving the Red Devils still searching for a suitable backup.