Wayne Rooney has warned Michael Carrick that Manchester United may struggle to depend on Luke Shaw consistently throughout the new Premier League season, following the defender’s difficult display against AC Milan.
The former United captain made the assessment during the opening episode of his new podcast, Stick to United, where he discussed the club’s squad weaknesses alongside co-host Mark Goldbridge.
United suffered a 4-2 defeat to AC Milan in their final pre-season fixture, leaving Carrick with plenty to consider before beginning his first competitive campaign as the club’s permanent manager.
Shaw criticised after AC Milan defeat
Goldbridge was particularly critical of Shaw’s performance, arguing that the England international was responsible for all four goals conceded against Milan.
He also questioned whether Shaw would be capable of handling the demands of playing twice a week, while highlighting a lack of defensive strength elsewhere in the squad.
Rooney offered a more measured assessment but agreed that Shaw’s performance had been below his usual standard.
“I thought he had a really good season last season, but he didn’t have the best game against AC Milan,” Rooney said.
However, the former striker believes Carrick cannot assume Shaw will remain fit and consistent throughout the campaign.
“So, I don’t think you can rely on Luke Shaw to be consistent for the whole season,” Rooney added.
Rooney identifies Arsenal youngster as possible solution
Rooney believes United could address their problems at left-back by making a move for Arsenal youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The 19-year-old is capable of operating both at left-back and in midfield, qualities Rooney believes would make him an attractive option for Carrick.
“I think if you can get a player who can play left back, he can play centre midfield. He’s young. He’s got a massive future ahead of him,” Rooney said.
The former United captain suggested that if Lewis-Skelly is genuinely available for a relatively modest fee, the club should seriously consider pursuing the deal.
Midfield physicality becomes another concern
While Lewis-Skelly could potentially strengthen more than one area, Rooney believes another weakness could remain unresolved in central midfield.
He called for United to add a physically imposing box-to-box midfielder capable of disrupting opposition attacks while also carrying the ball forward and contributing creatively.
Rooney argued that the current midfield options lack the physical presence needed to compete consistently across a demanding Premier League season.
“I’d like to see some physicality in the middle of the pitch,” he said.
Rooney questions size of United’s midfield
Rooney specifically pointed to Youri Tielemans, Kobbie Mainoo and Andrey Santos as examples of midfielders who could leave United lacking physical power.
“I think if you look at Tielemans, you look at Mainoo, you look at Santos, they’re all small lads, there’s not much pace among the three of them,” Rooney said.
He did not identify a specific transfer target but suggested that Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana could represent the type of player United need.
Onana’s physical presence and ability to cover ground would provide a different profile from the midfielders currently being discussed at Old Trafford.
Carrick admits United need more signings
Rooney’s concerns come as Carrick himself has acknowledged that United are still looking to strengthen before the transfer window closes.
The manager recently admitted that the club wants to add further players and is working to improve the squad while remaining conscious of its financial position.
“We want more, we need more, we keep looking for how we can do that,” Carrick said.
Carrick also stressed that United must aim to compete for success despite the club’s recent struggles.
“For now, we’ve got to make the most of it, but we’ve got to push every boundary we can to be able to win again, basically. That’s the challenge.”
United prepare for Carrick’s first competitive test
Carrick’s first competitive match as permanent United manager will come against Hull on Saturday, giving the new boss an immediate opportunity to assess whether his squad is ready for the demands ahead.
With Rooney questioning Shaw’s consistency and calling for greater physicality in midfield, United’s remaining transfer business could prove particularly important as Carrick attempts to build a team capable of competing throughout the Premier League campaign.
