Former Manchester United star points out his team's weak spot ahead of the big clash with Liverpool

Ahead of the Liverpool vs. Manchester United showdown at Anfield this weekend, Luke Shaw's role has been surprisingly flagged by ex-footballer Paul Parker.

Speaking on the podcast The Devils’ Advocate, the former Manchester United defender believes the club’s defense is facing significant issues with pace and stamina, especially on the left flank where Luke Shaw operates. Parker emphasized: “The teams they’ve faced recently have troubled Manchester United because they can’t keep up with the speed. Liverpool certainly won’t play slowly. I think they will fully exploit Manchester United’s left side, where Luke Shaw is positioned. Salah will try to break through from behind because everyone knows about his lack of effort. He’ll have to pull shirts and commit minor fouls to compensate.”

Luke Shaw has often been a target of criticism from former Manchester United legends. The legendary Roy Keane once bluntly stated that the English defender “gave up” during the Manchester derby. Shaw himself later admitted that some of the criticism was “justified” and acknowledged he needs to work harder to regain his top form.

Since the start of the season, the 29-year-old has remained the first choice on the left wing under coach Ruben Amorim, but his performance has been inconsistent. The lack of midfield support often leaves Shaw’s flank vulnerable to opponents, which is why Parker believes Liverpool, with the speed and sharpness of Salah, will focus their attack on this area.

Amorim’s squad travels to Merseyside having recently regained winning momentum, while Liverpool is currently enduring a streak of three consecutive losses before the international break. However, Anfield remains a fortress where Manchester United has rarely celebrated victories over the years.

Parker asserts that Manchester United’s biggest issue right now is not Amorim’s tactics but the players’ mentality and discipline: “People talk a lot about the system, but the problem is the players lack the discipline and intelligence to follow tactical instructions. If they were truly top-class players as claimed, they would know how to adjust themselves to achieve that.”

The upcoming match between Liverpool and Manchester United promises to be a huge challenge for Amorim’s squad. For Luke Shaw, it could be an opportunity to prove he is not “lazy” as criticized, or he might become the critical weakness that costs the Red Devils dearly at Anfield.