‘I’m begging’… Rio Ferdinand calls for ‘phenomenal’ Man Utd star to do what he has struggled to manage

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Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand offered his thoughts on the team’s opening weekend defeat.

Strong performances from new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo offered Manchester United reason to be positive, despite a 1-0 loss to Arsenal.

United were the better team for large periods of the game, leaving head coach Ruben Amorim frustrated with the result.

Amid all of this, it was easy to miss a composed performance at the back from Luke Shaw, who helped to shut down the threat from England international teammate Bukayo Saka.

Rio Ferdinand on Luke Shaw

Luke Shaw played as part of a back three alongside Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, and aside from the set piece, they never looked like conceding.

Shaw played 80 minutes, working well with Patrick Dorgu down the left side, and like the rest of his Manchester United teammates, he did not deserve to lose the game.

Ferdinand told his YouTube channel that he is pleading for Luke Shaw to stay fit over the course of the upcoming season.

He said: “Luke Shaw, please stay fit. I’m begging you, please, man. Luke Shaw, please stay fit.

“The kid, he’s just a phenomenal player, but he’s ravaged by injuries over the years.

“Everything just looks at ease with him when he’s there, the way he plays the way he moves, the way he passes, that’s a huge asset.”

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Luke Shaw needs to get through August

For the past two seasons, Luke Shaw has suffered injuries in August which have cost him months on the sidelines.

Shaw broke down in training after the first match in 2023, and then in 2024, he failed to make the opening game.

The versatile star has managed to come through pre-season unscathed, and the Premier League opener, but United fans have learned to be cautious.

Let’s see if Shaw can come through the month unscathed, and demonstrate that his fitness can hold up.

It is likely he is called into the England squad for the international at the start of September, and this will provide another anxious wait to see if he can avoid injury.

Shaw’s injury record, especially bad over the past two seasons, dictates that there will always be concern over his fitness. Hopefully this season can change the narrative, but Manchester United fans are cautious with good reason.