INEOS have already signed a “teenage Rooney” who can end Shaw’s Man Utd career

Casemiro might have already announced his impending exit from Manchester United, although ahead of a potentially seismic summer, there are plenty of other futures to be resolved at Old Trafford.

Harry Maguire, for instance, is yet to pen a new deal amid his expiring contract, with the Englishman’s latest injury setback perhaps plunging his hopes of an extension into doubt.

At his best, the 32-year-old – a starter in each of United’s last five games – is a real force and leader in this side, but far too often has he proven unreliable due to repeated stints on the treatment table.

That has also been the common theme of Luke Shaw’s almost 12-year stay in Manchester too, and while the 30-year-old has, thankfully, been injury-free in 2025/26, that should not prevent his own future being brought into question.

Why Luke Shaw still needs to be sold this summer

It is remarkable to think that a teenage Shaw rocked up at the Theatre of Dreams back in the summer of 2014, having since outlasted a succession of managers and overcome a horror leg break in September 2015 that could well have ended his career.

To have powered through setback after setback is to his credit, with the long-serving left-back enjoying something of a renaissance in 2025/26, having started all 26 Premier League games – the only player in the United squad to have done so.

That being said, with just under 18 months left on his deal, now might be the perfect time to cash in on the full-back this summer, with the shift to a flat back four having highlighted his shortcomings of late.

Against West Ham United, for instance, Shaw was given a rough ride by England teammate, Jarrod Bowen, while failing to deal with a bouncing ball that led to the hosts’ opener on the night.

More worryingly is that the sight of Shaw bombing down the left flank in support of his winger, as he did so regularly in his pomp alongside Marcus Rashford, has become far less common, instead typically seen turning backwards and slowing things down with United in the ascendancy.

In an era in which the likes of Nuno Mendes lead the way as the best left-backs in the world, Shaw’s contrasting lack of speed and mobility is a real issue, with his attacking influence also rather limited, with just one assist and just one ‘big chance’ created all season.

There’s been a safe and steady quality to his game of late, but if United and INEOS truly want to kick on next term, then Shaw should well be among those offered a warm farewell this summer.

Indeed, that send-off could be made far easier, considering his potential replacement is already in the building.

Man Utd already signed a “teenage Rooney” to replace Shaw

A significant concern for INEOS will be not getting their money’s worth from this United squad, with a string of the club’s top earners all repeatedly hampered by injury, be it Matthijs de Ligt, Mason Mount, Maguire and Shaw.

Last summer’s outgoings, namely that of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, showcased that the new regime isn’t afraid to get ruthless with the club’s more high-profile talents, with Shaw potentially set to be another casualty this time around.

As stated above, that process can be accelerated considering United boast a perfect in-house replacement, with INEOS having already signed 18-year-old sensation, Diego Leon, last year.

With Patrick Dorgu, prior to his injury blow, having starred in a left-wing berth, and with former ‘bomb squad’ member Tyrell Malacia set to depart on a free transfer this summer, Leon could have something of a free run at that full-back role.

That might appear a bold claim for a player who hasn’t actually made a competitive appearance for the first-team, although reports have suggested that United feel the Paraguayan is already ahead of schedule, ensuring no decision has yet been made on what to do on that left flank heading into the summer.

Leon, signed for a reported fee of around £6m from Cerro Porteno, has typically operated for the U21 side in recent months, memorably scoring a stunning solo goal against Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the campaign.

Comfortable as a natural full-back or wing-back, the one-cap Paraguay international could offer a far more potent attacking threat than Shaw if deployed off the left, having scored four goals in just 33 senior games for his former employers.

There’s an explosive, powerhouse quality to Leon’s game that is certainly appealing, with analyst Ben Mattinson highlighting that he “runs like a steam train”, such is his athletic prowess.

The view in South America, as per Paraguayan football expert Ralph Hannah, is that there is even something of a likeness to a young Wayne Rooney, mirroring the Englishman as a real physical specimen:

At a time when there is almost a sense that Shaw might be playing within himself, fearful of truly bursting forward with real regularity, Leon’s youthful introduction could represent something of a sea-change.

His recent outing for the youth team against Derby County showcased all that the teenager is about, regularly providing an outlet from left-back, with the majority of his play centred around a forward, progressive pass, or a burst forward in support of those ahead of him.

The nature of this turbulent season, and the combination of early cup exits and a lack of European action, has no doubt hampered Leon’s hopes of first-team game time, although after quiet, gradual progression in the academy ranks, this summer could mark a changing of the guard at Old Trafford.

Shaw, at his best, has been a fine servant for the Red Devils, although there remains a nagging sense that he has now outstayed his welcome.