A Manchester United win at the Etihad would have been an unexpected upset.
That said, it remains remarkable just how stark the gap remains between Ruben Amorim’s men and Pep Guardiola’s still formidable Manchester City side.
Even despite the fact that the Premier League title looks set to be closely contested by Liverpool and Arsenal. Albeit, with City close by on the periphery.
With players like Luke Shaw still on the books, however, it remains to be seen whether United will ever reach such lofty heights again.
Is it time for Man Utd to sell Luke Shaw?
Manchester United have always been waiting around for the England international since his arrival from Southampton in 2014.
At one point, there was no question that Shaw was one of the most exciting fullbacks in world football – an ideal addition for then United manager Louis van Gaal.
However, injuries upon injuries have now left the Old Trafford faithful with more questions than answers, and reporters with little faith.
Kevin Palmer hopped onto X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday evening to bemoan the 30-year-old’s latest display against Manchester City. With the defender repeatedly exposed by the domineering presence of Erling Haaland, the Sunday World journalist concluded online that it was high time the Red Devils looked to sell Shaw.
Luke Shaw’s performance against Manchester City suggests he is a long way past his best. To think Man Utd waited for so long to get him back from his endless injuries. Time to move on #MUFC
— Kevin Palmer 💙 (@RealKevinPalmer) September 14, 2025
As we reported back in August, there was some Saudi interest in the player’s services during the summer window. Perhaps the Saudi Pro League will beckon once more in January?
How did Shaw perform against Manchester City?
To be fair to the left-back, we’re absolutely certain that a place in Ruben Amorim’s back-three doesn’t suit his natural attributes.
In that sense, we wouldn’t necessarily be opposed to Shaw hanging around as a backup option to Patrick Dorgu moving forward. But, frankly, he shouldn’t be relied upon as a starting option either in the backline or as one of Amorim’s system-defining wingbacks.
Whilst it’s worth bearing in mind that Manchester United were facing a considerably stronger opponent in Man City, the stats would more than back up this assertion.
Sofascore handed Luke Shaw a 6.2/10 rating for his performance at the Etihad.
→ 1 clearance
→ Dribbled past once
→ 1/2 ground duels won
→ 1/2 aerial duels won
→ Possession lost 8 times
→ 63 touches
→ 51/56 passes completed (91%)
Not exactly a premium showing from the fullback away in enemy territory. Given that Shaw’s previously been described as ‘sluggish’ in European competition, this performance probably shouldn’t have shocked anyone.
