Michael Carrick wants Luke Shaw on the plane to the World Cup — and after a season like this one, it is hard to argue with him.

Shaw scored his first goal in more than three years during Manchester United's 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, a result that continued the remarkable turnaround Carrick has overseen at the club. The left-back has now featured in all 37 Premier League games this season, a figure that would have seemed almost inconceivable given the injury hell that has defined much of his recent career.

Carrick was unequivocal when asked about Shaw's England prospects after the full-time whistle. "He deserves to go," the United manager said. "His consistency, his performances, his experience, his qualities. He's an excellent full-back."

Tuchel's left-back dilemma

Thomas Tuchel faces a genuine selection puzzle at left-back heading into the tournament. Nico O'Reilly is currently regarded as the first-choice option in that position for England, having been converted from central midfield by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. The profile he offers is entirely different from Shaw's — progressive, press-resistant, comfortable in tight spaces.

But Shaw brings something O'Reilly cannot yet offer: experience and proven reliability at the highest level over a full campaign. The fact he has played every league game this season after years of frustration through injury makes his case all the more compelling. Tuchel is not flush with proven left-back options, and taking Shaw as a complement to O'Reilly rather than a rival would give England genuine variety on that flank.

Old Trafford drama overshadowed by VAR row

The win itself was not without controversy. A handball by Bryan Mbeumo in the build-up to one of United's goals sparked fresh fury at Stockley Park's decision-making. Nottingham Forest boss Vítor Pereira was measured but pointed in his post-match assessment: "I think we need to have a meeting together to understand when it is a handball." The VAR took close to four minutes to review the incident before the on-field referee, Michael Salisbury, walked to the pitchside monitor and upheld his original decision — a sequence that did little to restore faith in the system.

For Forest, the loss stings on a sporting level. For the broader game, the manner in which it arrived will reignite the conversation about whether VAR, in its current form, is improving outcomes or simply adding delay to the same mistakes.

Shaw's timing could not be better

Whatever the backdrop, Shaw's personal story this season is one of the Premier League's better narratives. Left-backs who can defend, carry the ball and chip in with goals at this level are rare. He turns 29 in July and is operating at the peak of his powers. If Tuchel is serious about giving England the best possible chance at the World Cup, Shaw is exactly the kind of experienced, battle-hardened operator you want in your squad.

Carrick has made his position clear. The ball is now in Tuchel's court.

Frequently asked

Has Luke Shaw been picked for England's World Cup squad?
No official England squad announcement has been made yet, but Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has publicly backed Shaw for a place, pointing to his consistency across all 37 Premier League games this season.
What happened with the VAR handball decision in Man United vs Nottingham Forest?
A goal was allowed despite the ball appearing to strike Bryan Mbeumo's hand. VAR reviewed the incident for around four minutes before the referee checked the pitchside monitor and controversially upheld the original decision, ruling it accidental handball.
Who is England's first-choice left-back for the World Cup?
Nico O'Reilly is currently considered England's number one option at left-back after being converted from central midfield by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Luke Shaw has been touted as a possible addition to offer experience and variety.