- Wayne Rooney outlines his most improved player
- Luke Shaw has started every league game in 2025/26
- Reliability had been major concern for years
Wayne Rooney knows exactly what it takes to succeed at Manchester United.
It is one of the main reasons that his opinion has caught the attention of many fans, since leaving football management to dip his hands into punditry.
To this day, the United legend remains the club’s record goalscorer with 253 goals. The Reds ramped up their attacking output in the second half of this season under Michael Carrick. It led to United finishing third in the Premier League, which felt far-fetched just four months ago.
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Shaw Has “Stepped Up” His Level
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the 40-year-old discussed his “most improved” player in the Premier League season. Rooney pointed towards Luke Shaw, who he believes has stepped up a level compared to his previous seasons at the club.
The legendary striker said: “I know he [Luke Shaw]’s an experienced player now, but I think his levels this season have been much better than they have been over recent seasons.”
The 30-year-old finished 2025/26 having started every single league game for his club. This was the first time that he had achieved this level of reliability, which has in turn led to a greater importance in the team.
Last season was the polar opposite due to injuries. Shaw played 12 games in all competitions, starting just five games for the club. As the longest-serving member of the current squad, the former Southampton star has seen off competitions from the likes of Ashley Young, Daley Blind, Brandon Williams and Alex Telles.
Tyrell Malacia will be joining that list as an Erik ten Hag signing and will be leaving the club next month. Patrick Dorgu was initially brought in as competition, but he has been preferred and has looked more convincing as a left winger.
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United Need More Than Just Shaw
Rooney’s praise underlines a fundamental truth about Shaw. The 30-year-old’s quality has never been in question at Old Trafford, but rather his reliability has. When fit, the left-back has been close to world-class in previous seasons. Under other United managers, he has even looked at home as part of a back three, five and as a centre-back. However, United must be cautious of a trend where a great season is often followed by a disrupted, below-par season.
This term’s perfect appearance record was helped by a lighter schedule of one game a week, on average. With Carrick now confirmed as manager, he will certainly want to retain Shaw’s experience and familiarity in a key position.
However, a 50-to-60 game season across multiple competitions means United need more than just Shaw as a competent option at left-back. High-level competition is what allows the elite teams to thrive and be spoilt for choice. That is exactly what INEOS and United need to aspire to in their next goal of returning to their perch.
