I didn't realize Shaw's contract didn't have a club option for 27/28. Could be a tricky situation coming towards the end of the season. A waning/injured Shaw this season increases the cost of any LB that United goes hunting for next summer. Moreso if the two parties can't agree on a new contract (I certainly would expect a 32 year old Shaw to take a pay cut in almost any plausible scenario).

I still prefer the 3 CM approach over sacrificing one for a LB but I understand the concern about our LB situation. The consensus seems to be that United will pull a Baleba and come back for Hall next summer. But after not having proper depth in midfield for 10 years and actually having 4 recognized central mids on the team, I can't hate too much.

I'm not super-worried about a rival swooping in and "stealing" Luke Shaw from us on a free. (Then again, I'm on record as being in favor of letting him go on a free since you'll never sell him with his injury history and wages, so obviously I'm biased).

I think if (probably when) we make an extension offer, it will be significantly more than his potential alternatives barring dropping down to Saudi or Turkey (or conceivably MLS although left back isn't a position that moves a ton of tickets or eyeballs regardless of the quality of the CV).

Edit: Again, I don't hate the guy lol (reading back, that read harsh). I just don't think the positions near the touchlines tend to age very well.

I think this Rashford kid from Barcelona will be good…

It is nerve wracking watching Harry so far today.

Mbeumo is sleepwalking out there today

I'm honestly just happy it wasn't a concussion… when he was down for a while I started worrying about worst case, so broken nose seems less bad

Rashford OTOH is looking very lively so far

lol, I missed the first 5 minutes and had no idea. I think he may be concussed. He looks very tentative with the ball and not comfortable with the pace any time Everton steps it up.

I just realized we got Scouse flameout Stephen Warnock for commentary when he had his fit about Bruno diving. Can't stand Warnock.

Doing our best to give Everton a gift here at the end of the half

Welp nil nil at half

That was about as blah of a half as I've ever seen.

I watched Spurs-Forest yesterday… it definitely could be worse lol. Dry watch.

Not second half

Mbeumo!

I gotta remember to talk **** about Mbeumo early on

Now, do NOT just sit back and play defense for 45 minutes.

He was rough first half though lol

Shaw with a fantastic challenge to stop an open shot.

So far he's had a very good match.

Showstopper said:

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He was rough first half though lol

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That's the thing, seems like every game I comment on how poor he is, he ends up banging one in

I mean, I think he's nailed on double digit goals, but he can have some frustrating play. Better than picking between Antony and Sancho or Antony and Garnacho.

Took off our worst player on the day and our best player on the day

I think Rashford was cramping up. He had gone over to grab a carb/energy gel about 10 minutes before coming off

Tarkowski clearly caught Bruno with his studs, no call. Grealish gets shirt tugged and we get a yellow

I felt that goal coming

That's just a mess up centrally on that turnover. Just a horrible touch by Licha

Lisandro decided to give Everton a 2nd chance to score and they took it.

It's been coming. This team just switches off trying to hold a lead

Sesko!!!!!!

Oh thank God!!!!

SSSSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSKOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Sesko! He almost got the header a couple of minutes ago.

He brings an aerial attack that is so big.

Poor T-Rex arms Pickford

Give Shaw the extension. I take it all back.

That's why you need a big ass #9.