Man Utd Key Player Misses Training: Luke Shaw Doubt for Champions League Opener

Manchester United could be without Luke Shaw for their Champions League opener against Sabah after the left-back missed the club’s training session on Wednesday.

Shaw’s absence has left Michael Carrick with a problem at left-back ahead of Thursday’s meeting with the Azerbaijani side at Old Trafford. Man Utd Key Player misses training is an immediate concern for a squad that entered the season without another senior specialist in that position.

The England international was not involved in United’s September 9 session, which was scheduled as a recovery day. While there has been no confirmation that Shaw will definitely miss the match, his absence from training makes him a doubt for the European fixture.

United did not sign a senior left-back during the summer transfer window. Tyrell Malacia departed as a free agent, while attempts to bring in Lewis Hall or England Under-21 international Milos Kerkez did not result in a deal, leaving Shaw as the club’s main senior option on the left.

 

The situation is further complicated by the limited availability of youth option Harry Amass. The youngster has not featured for United since May 2025 and last played competitive football for Norwich City in January during a loan spell.

Should Shaw be unavailable, Noussair Mazraoui is the most likely replacement. The Morocco international operated at left-back during United’s 2-2 draw against Everton on September 6 after Shaw was taken off. His performance included a costly error when he surrendered possession before Ainsley Maitland-Niles scored Everton’s equaliser.

The fixture against Sabah marks United’s return to Europe's premier club competition after a two-season absence. Their league-stage schedule will then take them to Atletico Madrid on October 13 and FC Como on October 21 before a home meeting with AS Roma on November 3.

United will travel to Sporting CP on November 25 and later face RB Leipzig on December 8. Bayern Munich visit Old Trafford on January 20, with Villarreal hosting Carrick’s side in their final league-stage fixture on January 27.

For now, United’s immediate concern is Shaw’s fitness. Luke Shaw misses training just a day before the Champions League opener, leaving Carrick to assess his options at a position already short of experienced cover.