Updated opening on Patrice Evra’s comments
Patrice Evra’s stance on Luke Shaw has barely softened. This update, published on 26 September 2026, revisits his verdict on the left-back position. The Luke Shaw Patrice Evra debate, sparked after United’s opening weekend defeat, still shapes how supporters view the problem. Nothing since has changed his mind.
Evra made the comments shortly after Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Hull City on the season’s opening weekend, first detailed in our original report on Evra’s comments. His view was blunt. Shaw’s time at Old Trafford has passed, and United need a fresh face at left-back.
Evra’s verdict on United’s dismal opening weekend defeat
Evra did not hold back when discussing the Hull City result. “[Hull City vs Man United] was one of the worst starts I’ve ever seen from Man United. We weren’t that bad at the start of last season,” he said.
He also pointed to United’s approach in possession. “What I’m really disappointed about is all the back passes in that game,” Evra added, suggesting the team lacked the courage to play forward under pressure.
Why Evra believes Shaw’s long history of injuries has left him traumatised
Evra’s criticism of the team quickly turned into sympathy for Shaw as an individual. “Luke Shaw, I love you, but it’s going to be a tough season for him,” he said, acknowledging the affection United fans still hold for the left-back.
The Frenchman went further, linking Shaw’s struggles directly to years of fitness problems. “He’s been at the club for years, he’s had a lot of injuries that killed his football career. When I talk with him, he’s still traumatised by [the injuries],” Evra explained. In Evra’s eyes, that history explains why Shaw now holds back in challenges rather than committing fully.
That hesitancy is now, he believes, the defining feature of Shaw’s game. He set a modest bar for what would count as a good campaign. “If Luke Shaw can give me a 35-game season, then that’s a good season,” he said.
Why Patrice Evra believes Luke Shaw’s time at Man Utd has passed
Evra believes Shaw’s time at Manchester United has passed because his body can no longer be trusted to hold up, and because the club has gone years without truly replacing him. He was clear this was not a personal attack on the player. “I have to tell the truth. Man United fans want to hear my opinion, and I think [Luke Shaw’s] time has gone,” he said.
Evra stressed that his loyalty lies with the club rather than any individual. “I love Luke Shaw, but I love Man United even more, that’s why I’m saying they need another left-back,” he said. That comment sums up the Luke Shaw Patrice Evra debate: affection for the player, but no faith he can still do the job.
Lewis Hall identified as Evra’s ideal left-back replacement
Evra was equally clear about who should replace Shaw. He named Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall as his preferred option, praising the consistency Hall offers. “That’s what I wanted. [Lewis Hall] is a great player, we’re talking about consistency,” he said.
He pointed to Hall’s reliability even after a difficult afternoon against Liverpool. “In the game against Liverpool, he gave away a penalty, but I don’t care. He gives you 90 minutes, guaranteed, that’s the kind of left-back Man United need,” Evra said.
Evra also dismissed the idea that Patrick Dorgu could fill the role instead. “Patrick Dorgu is not a left-back, he’s a left-winger,” he said, ruling him out as a long-term option at the back.
What happens next for Michael Carrick’s side at left-back
For now, Michael Carrick’s side has no confirmed left-back arrival, and nothing in Evra’s comments points to any deal in progress. His remarks reflect personal opinion rather than reporting on any transfer plan.
Evra used the wider history of the position to make his point. “Before me, Denis Irwin was Man United’s best left-back, he could score goals and play either side, and every game,” he said, holding up his predecessor as the standard.
He believes the problem has run far longer than one season. “Since I’ve left, Man United have had 20 people play in my position, no one has replaced me. Why? Consistency- that’s what is missing at Man United,” he said. Until that changes, question marks over the left-back position at Old Trafford look set to continue.
