We’re UnShaw – What Does the Future Hold for Manchester United’s Luke Shaw?

We’re UnShaw – What Does the Future Hold for Manchester United’s Luke Shaw?

Luke Shaw has suffered more than a fair share of injuries during his Manchester United career, with the worst of these being his double right leg fracture back in 2015.

However in this campaign, the 30-year-old has competed in his most successful season in recent years. Shaw has started every Premier League game so far this season, and looks set to make that a full house when United travel to Brighton on Sunday in their final league game.

The England international also scored his first goal for United in over three years against Nottingham Forest, a fitting way to end his last home game of the season.

After a brilliant campaign both on and off the pitch, there’s an obvious question waiting to be answered. What is next for Luke Shaw?

🚨🎥 Casemiro & Cunha could believe Luke Shaw can actually shoot like that… 🤣

Also Cunha & Amad where pushing him to go celebrate with the fans after the goal, but Shaw just refused… ♥️ pic.twitter.com/RLTMwUha3u

— Manchester United Forever (@UtdForever7) May 17, 2026

Is a World Cup spot on the cards?

Despite Shaw not being included in the 35-man squad for Thomas Tuchel’s last England squad for the friendlies that took place in March, the left-back has been keeping himself in contention for the World Cup squad.

A combination of good performances and staying fit throughout the entirety of the 2025/26 campaign has enabled Shaw to find some long overdue consistency. As aforementioned, the Manchester United player has been hit with a plethora of injuries during his tenure with United.

However, when he can stay injury free and get a good run in the team going, it’s clear to see that Shaw is one of, and has been for several years, England’s best left-back options.

The Euro 2020 tournament springs to mind, as the 30-year-old started every game except the first group stage match against Croatia. Shaw went on to net The Three Lions’ only goal in the final versus Italy, showing his value at both ends of the pitch.

Shaw has been included in Tuchel’s 55-man squad which was sent to FIFA earlier this month, showing that he still has a chance to make the final 26-man team which is announced this Friday.

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick believes that Shaw has done enough to be included in England’s World Cup squad this summer.

“I certainly think so, yes. I haven’t got much sway in the matter, but I certainly think so.

“It is his consistency, his performance, his experience, his strengths, and the attributes he has got. He is a fantastic full-back.”

✈️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Luke Shaw has to be on the plane

Still a juicy price of 2/1 to make the World Cup squad.

He's played over 3,000 Premier League minutes this season 💪 pic.twitter.com/I20dbiHBbW

— Free Super Tips (@FootySuperTips) May 17, 2026

Looking ahead to next season

Shaw scored his first goal in United colours for the first time since January 2023 as Manchester United defeated Nottingham Forest 3-2 at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have secured third place in the Premier League, with Champions League football for next season already obtained at the start of the month. This will naturally mean United will play more games next season, which will require Carrick to closely monitor Shaw’s minutes.

The 30-year-old won’t be able to play every game next season unlike this campaign, and with Tyrell Malacia leaving in the summer, the club will need to sign a left-back to rotate with Shaw.

Carrick has insisted that Shaw has a crucial role to play next season, even though there may be doubts over how much game time he can get.

"He's at that stage now where he's got an awful lot of experience, he's been here for a long time, he knows the club, he knows what it feels like.

“He knows the ups and he's suffered some of the more challenging times, so next season I think his experience will be valuable, however many games he plays."

Shaw will be hoping that he has done enough to be included in Tuchel’s World Cup squad. Although if he is left out, the Manchester United left-back has earnt a break in play after his efforts this season. His contract with Manchester United expires on 30th June 2027.