United choose caution as Luke Shaw faces late derby check

Michael Carrick has said Luke Shaw’s absence from Manchester United’s 4-0 win over Sabah was precautionary, rather than the result of a serious issue, with the defender still to be assessed ahead of the Manchester derby.

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Shaw was absent from United’s squad for Thursday night’s Champions League opener at Old Trafford after coming off in the 2-2 draw with Everton. Carrick said the left-back had experienced a little cramp and that the club did not want to take risks with him before the weekend meeting with Manchester City.

Speaking before the Sabah match, Carrick indicated that United were managing Shaw and would review how he was after the game. The manager later said Shaw had not been fully ready for the Sabah fixture, so the club chose not to risk him.

The update does not confirm whether Shaw will start, feature from the bench or miss the derby. It does make clear that United’s decision to leave him out against Sabah was a cautious one, with his fitness set to be considered before a decision is made on his availability against City.

Why Carrick took no chances

Carrick’s approach reflected the short turnaround between the Everton draw, the Sabah game and the derby. Shaw did not take part in Wednesday’s training session and was not named in the matchday group for the European fixture.

United instead selected Patrick Dorgu at left-back against Sabah. The Denmark international set up Matheus Cunha for the opening goal, helped United secure their first clean sheet of the campaign and was named UEFA Player of the Match.

Dorgu steps in and delivers

Dorgu’s display gave Carrick an option while Shaw was managed through the Sabah fixture. Harry Amass also appeared as a late substitute at left-back after having been left out of the squad for the Everton match.

Carrick was satisfied with United’s clean sheet and praised aspects of the side’s attacking play following the 4-0 victory. He also credited Sabah as a difficult opponent, saying they made United work to win the ball back and that the comfortable-looking scoreline did not always reflect the course of the game.

For now, Shaw’s position remains unresolved. Carrick has confirmed that United will assess the defender before determining whether he is fit to face Manchester City.