Ferdinand urges Man United to sign Shaw’s understudy, not replacement

​Ferdinand argued that Luke Shaw has been Man United’s “most consistent player” following their 5-2 win over Ipswich.

​By Kehinde Okeowo

​British pundit and former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, has advised his former club to sign an “understudy” who will learn from Luke Shaw rather than sign a direct replacement this summer.

​The Red Devils legend offered the counsel while speaking on the latest episode of his YouTube channel, Ferdinand Presents.

​After a disappointing 2-0 loss to Hull City in their Premier League opener last weekend, Man United bounced back on Sunday with an emphatic 5-2 win over another newly promoted side, Ipswich.

​However, Shaw struggled during the win, as he was thoroughly outplayed by Abdul Fatawu on the wing, with one such dribble leading to Leif Davis’ 29th-minute opening goal for the visitors.

​Nevertheless, Bruno Fernandes sparked a remarkable comeback with an impressive hat-trick, securing a 5-2 victory for Man United at Old Trafford and marking the club’s first win of the season.

​ALSO READ: Martinez plays down conceding three goals on Chelsea debut, says ‘a win is a win’

​During the match, Michael Carrick opted to substitute Shaw for Noussair Mazraoui with 17 minutes remaining in regular time, as part of five changes made by the United head coach during a thrilling second half at the Theatre of Dreams.

​In the aftermath of the match, Ferdinand passionately defended the 31-year-old left-back, insisting that he has been one of United’s most “consistent” performers over the past year.

​He advised Carrick to focus on signing a left-back who can gradually integrate into the team rather than someone who would displace Shaw.

​Speaking on the show, the ex-Three Lions defender said: “In a couple of my WhatsApp chats, some United fans were saying, ‘Luke Shaw, get rid!’ … Luke Shaw, over the last year, has been one of our most consistent performers, and you’re sitting there saying, ‘He should be there,’ or, ‘He should be somewhere else’ … no!

​“Go and get a left-back that we want to actually bed in over time to be a replacement for someone like Luke Shaw.

​“You think you’re going to go in the market and find someone? It’s like £60m we’d have to pay. We ain’t got that!”