Luke Shaw to Miss Champions League Opener for Manchester United

Luke Shaw is expected to sit out Manchester United’s Champions League opener against Sabah on Thursday, leaving Michael Carrick dangerously light at left back ahead of a crucial week.

The 31-year-old skipped United’s final session on Wednesday morning, which had been designated as a recovery and rest day for the squad. His absence, though, is significant. United face Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday, and City already hold a two-day advantage in preparation after their win over Porto on Tuesday night.

Carrick now has a problem in a position the club failed to reinforce in the summer.

Carrick’s late changes under scrutiny

Shaw was withdrawn in the 91st minute at Everton on Sunday with United 2-1 up and trying to see out the game. Four minutes later, Ainsley Maitland-Niles struck in the 95th minute to deny them victory and turn the spotlight firmly on Carrick’s substitutions.

Former United captain Gary Neville openly questioned the head coach’s decision to change his back line so late, as Shaw made way and the defensive shape shifted in stoppage time. On the opposite flank, right back Diogo Dalot had already been replaced by centre back Leny Yoro in the closing stages at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, another move that invited scrutiny once the lead slipped away.

Noussair Mazraoui, who can operate at left back, came on for Shaw and was involved in the decisive moment, inadvertently diverting the ball into Maitland-Niles’ path for the equaliser. The margins were thin, but the consequences are heavy.

Thin cover after failed summer moves

United’s vulnerability at left back has been a slow-burn story. The club explored options in the summer window but failed to land a signing. Newcastle quickly rebuffed interest in Lewis Hall, leaving United short of realistic alternatives.

Shaw is now the only senior, natural left back in the squad. Behind him, 19-year-old Harry Amass is the only specialist back-up, and even that safety net is frayed.

Amass has not featured for United since May 2025 and spent last season on loan in the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich City. His campaign was cut short by a hamstring injury at Norwich in January, and he has not played since. Throwing him straight into a Champions League tie or a derby against City would be a huge leap.

United were also offered Arsenal left back Myles Lewis-Skelly, but talks went nowhere once the asking price climbed beyond £50million. The club walked away. Now the cost of that decision may be measured in minutes, not money.

With Shaw sidelined and a derby looming, Carrick must decide whether to trust Mazraoui on the left again, reshuffle his back four, or gamble on youth. Whatever he chooses, City will arrive fresher, and United will walk out knowing their most fragile position is exactly where the season’s first defining week will be fought.