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Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has been urged to make an immediate change and replace Luke Shaw after the defender’s dismal showing in Sunday’s 5-2 Premier League win over Ipswich Town. Even though the side responded with an emphatic victory, the left-back’s worrying defensive weaknesses drew strong criticism, with Shaw being described as a major part of the team’s continuing problems.

Defensive struggles against Ipswich

Man Utd recorded an impressive 5-2 win against Ipswich Town on Sunday, but talkSPORT pundits once again highlighted the side’s defensive frailties in brutal fashion. Carrick saw his team go behind early after Leif Davis opened the scoring.

Abdul Fatawu got past Luke Shaw too easily on the right wing before finding Davis at the far post. Although Bruno Fernandes led the comeback with a hat-trick, while Jacob Greaves put through his own net and Bryan Mbeumo also scored, with Chuba Akpom netting a consolation for Ipswich, the first goal sparked widespread anger over Shaw’s worrying defensive drop-off.

Crook’s scathing assessment

The left-back’s display led to a stinging verdict from talkSPORT’s Alex Crook. Speaking on GameDay Live with Micky Gray, Crook delivered a fierce criticism of Shaw.

Crook said: "I’ve got no words. I’ve got no words. Luke Shaw was awful at Hull last week. He was awful again there. He has been awful for how many years? He is part of the problem. He is part of the reason that Man United don’t keep clean sheets. He is part of the reason they keep losing football matches and yet, there is no sign of anyone coming in to replace him."

Pre-season questions raised

Gray also raised doubts over the team’s defensive work and sharpness during the summer break. The former player pointed to how easily opposition wingers were able to get beyond the backline in the early stages.

Gray said: "What have Manchester United’s full-backs been doing in pre-season because they look like they’ve had it off? Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw, I mean, how easy is it for Fatawu to get past Luke Shaw and pick out his man inside the 18-yard box? Leif Davis has got himself into an area, where he just has to place that ball first time."

These obvious weaknesses have left supporters calling for immediate reinforcements.

Transfer window solutions

Manchester United must now consider their options in the closing days of the transfer window to solve this clear issue. With Newcastle United ruling out talk of Lewis Hall leaving, Carrick is facing a tense end to the summer market. If the club do not sign a dependable left-back, their defensive frailties could seriously damage their ambitions for the remainder of the campaign.