Michael Carrick wants Luke Shaw on the plane to the World Cup — and after what the left-back has produced at Old Trafford this season, it is difficult to argue with him.

Shaw scored his first goal in over three years during Manchester United's 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend, a result that capped what has quietly become the most consistent campaign of his career in a United shirt. He has featured in all 37 league games so far this term, a remarkable sequence for a player who spent the better part of five years in and out of the treatment room.

Carrick was unequivocal afterwards. "He deserves to go," the United manager said. "His consistency, his performances, his experience, his qualities. He's an excellent full-back." That is about as clear an endorsement as a manager can offer to an international head coach.

Tuchel's left-back options are thinner than they look

Thomas Tuchel does not have an obvious embarrassment of riches at left-back heading into the tournament. Nico O'Reilly is currently the first-choice option in that position, though his route there has been an unconventional one — the Manchester City man converted from central midfield under Pep Guardiola and brings a very different profile from Shaw's more natural, experienced full-back game.

That contrast is precisely the point. Tuchel is the kind of coach who values tactical flexibility within a squad, and the ability to call on a seasoned, reliable operator who can defend the flank conventionally is not a small thing at a tournament where margins are razor-thin. Shaw provides exactly that variety.

At 28, Shaw is not a young prospect clamouring for exposure. He has been there, done it — most memorably putting England ahead in the Euro 2020 final within two minutes at Wembley. The question for Tuchel will be whether this season's form, encouraging as it is, translates into tournament-level confidence.

A season that has changed the conversation

Twelve months ago, Shaw's name in any England squad discussion would have been met with scepticism. Injuries had stripped him of rhythm and, at times, his starting place at club level. What Carrick has managed to do — whether through careful squad management, a clear system, or simply restoring confidence — is bring back the Shaw that many suspected had been lost to misfortune.

Playing every league game in a season is no small achievement for any outfield player. For Shaw, given his history, it borders on the remarkable. The goal against Forest was a reminder of what he offers going forward too: composure in the final third, a willingness to arrive late into positions, a threat from set pieces.

The noises out of Old Trafford are positive. Whether those noises reach Tuchel's door loudly enough is another matter, but Carrick has made his position clear and the England manager will have noted it.

The bigger picture at Old Trafford

Shaw's form is also central to United's own end-of-season push. Their win over Forest — not without its controversies, with a VAR handball call that left Vítor Pereira and much of the watching public utterly baffled — keeps their momentum going under Carrick. The turnaround at the club since the interim appointment has been notable, and Shaw has been one of the pillars of it.

For now, he will be focused on United's final fixture of the league season. But the World Cup conversation is already well underway, and Carrick has made sure Shaw's name is firmly in it.

  • Manchester United beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday
  • Luke Shaw has started all 37 Premier League games this season
  • Nico O'Reilly is currently England's first-choice left-back ahead of the World Cup

Frequently asked

Has Luke Shaw been picked for England's World Cup squad?
No official squad announcement has been made yet, but Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has publicly backed Shaw for a place, citing his consistency across all 37 Premier League games this season.
Who is England's first-choice left-back for the World Cup?
Nico O'Reilly of Manchester City is currently considered England's first-choice option at left-back under Thomas Tuchel, having converted from central midfield under Pep Guardiola.
When did Luke Shaw last score for Manchester United before this weekend?
Shaw's goal against Nottingham Forest was his first for Manchester United in over three years, making it a notable moment in what has been his most consistent season at the club.