Paul Parker Calls for New Left-Back at Manchester United

Paul Parker has called on Michael Carrick to be ruthless this summer and replace Luke Shaw, insisting the long-serving left-back is “not good enough” to start for Manchester United anymore.

Carrick is heading into his first full season in charge at Old Trafford and United’s rebuild is already in motion. The club have focused heavily on midfield after Casemiro’s departure, bringing in Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa to reshape the engine room.

Karl Darlow has also arrived from Leeds United to back up Senne Lammens, who impressed in his debut campaign between the posts. The work, though, is far from done. One position in particular continues to nag at Parker: left-back.

“Luke Shaw isn’t good enough”

Shaw started all 38 Premier League games last season for the first time since his £30 million move in 2014, a show of durability that once would have been unthinkable. It hasn’t swayed Parker.

Speaking to Betarades.gr, the former United defender was blunt about where he believes the problem lies.

“If the plan is to play him as a winger, then the club seriously needs a new left back because Luke Shaw isn’t good enough,” Parker said as he discussed Patrick Dorgu’s role.

“I expect from Patrick Dorgu what I saw from him before he got injured, but I need to see it on a regular basis. I don’t know where he is going to play. Will he play at left back or as a winger? I think it will be as a winger.”

From there, Parker’s criticism of Shaw only sharpened.

“They really need a mobile fullback with agility who can defend properly as well and a player who can do a job up and down the pitch.

“Luke Shaw can’t run and he can’t defend or attack, so what do you need him for? Dalot is always going to be an issue when he plays as well, especially if they play him on the left back.”

United have already identified left-back as an area to strengthen, with Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall linked with a move to Old Trafford. Myles Lewis-Skelly has also been offered to the club in recent days as options continue to be assessed.

Parker pushes for Amass if no signing arrives

If United fail to land a new left-back, Parker does not want to see Shaw simply keep his place by default. He would rather Carrick turn to youth.

He namechecked teenager Harry Amass as the player who should be trusted if the club decide against dipping into the market.

“I saw Harry Amass play a couple of games for Sheffield Wednesday and up until the injury all the Wednesday fans were completely raving about him,” Parker said.

“Absolutely raving about him, so maybe it is time to give him the opportunity? The club should be better at introducing young players like him and give them a run. In my opinion, he needs a run, not just a couple of games.

“Something needs to happen and in my opinion they have to bring in a left back or decide to play Amass there, but I just doubt they will do it which is the reason I said they have to bring in a left back.”

It is a clear challenge to Carrick and the club hierarchy: either buy a starter or back the kid, but stop relying on Shaw.

Doubts over Andrey Santos deal

Parker also questioned United’s move for Andrey Santos, casting doubt over how much the Brazilian will actually improve Carrick’s starting XI.

“The Andrey Santos signing did catch me by surprise,” he admitted.

“I was with a friend the other day who is a big Chelsea fan and goes to all the games, so I asked him about Andrey Santos. I just said that he should tell me about Andrey Santos but he couldn’t tell me much because he said Santos didn’t start many games, which I can obviously see myself as well.

“So, I am hoping it is a Michael Carrick signing rather than other people in the club just wanting him, but I still need to see more from Andrey Santos before I can give a proper verdict.

“I can’t really remember him that much to be honest and I think a lot of people are feeling the same. Is he going to be one of the starting eleven? I actually hope so, because it is not good enough if he was just brought in to be a squad player. We don’t need that kind of player coming in.”

Between the scrutiny of Shaw, the call for a new left-back, and the scepticism around Santos, Parker has drawn a hard line: this cannot be another soft reset at Old Trafford.

Carrick’s first full season will reveal quickly whether United share that same ruthless edge.