Man United failing to hold onto their £70,000-a-week star could lead to a defensive crisis

Why Luke Shaw should definitely sign a new contract at Manchester United

Manchester United returned to winning ways against Burnley after losing 2 of their opening 3 games this season. The Red Devils haven’t looked confident and stable, with Jose Mourinho fuming in his post-match press conferences.

The former Chelsea coach will be relieved to see his team pick up a win after making a dismal start to their campaign. One man who has started the season in strong form is left-back Luke Shaw.

The 23-year-old made the move from the South Coast to Manchester United in 2014 and has since only been able to muster a total of 47 league appearances for the club. Shaw is definitely a talented defender but his United career has been heavily hampered by his persistent injury troubles.

Shaw, who currently earns £70,000-a-week, has only been able to manage 11 appearances in the last couple of seasons at Old Trafford. His fitness record is a horrendous one and often kept the defender on the sidelines for a considerable amount of time.

But the former Southampton defender has started this season in brilliant form. He has put in excellent shifts in all 4 of his appearances so far. Shaw scored a superb goal as well, on the opening day of the season.

His impressive early form saw him get a call-up from Gareth Southgate for the international friendlies. Though the defender was taken off on a stretcher after a clash of heads with Dani Carvajal, he has shown promise this season.

Ashley Young is now 33 and would not have much gas left in his tank. Shaw will be the perfect player to take over when that happens. According to the Sun, Manchester United are willing to offer the defender a new contract and he should duly accept it. Shaw is extremely smart in possession and his awareness is excellent as well.

Read more: Forget it Jose – Man United are better off without signing this serial winner with 14 career trophies

Shaw has never really proved himself at Old Trafford despite showing glimpses of brilliance. He is definitely capable of achieving bigger things and must move on from his past. Shaw is a proper English left-back who loves to maraud forward and possesses defensive intelligence as well.

It’s hard to find defenders like him and if United fail to hold onto him, they could be looking at a defensive crisis soon.