Manchester United Tell Luke Shaw a Pay Cut Is Required for a New Contract; Lisandro Martinez Must Also Fight for His Future

According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United have told 31-year-old England left-back Luke Shaw that this season is his "trial period." Only if he performs well and stays free from injuries will Sir Jim Ratcliffe offer him a new contract.

Last season, Luke Shaw started all 38 Premier League matches, achieving the first full injury-free season of his career. However, his contract with Manchester United expires at the end of this season and does not include a renewal option.

Manchester United had hoped to sign a new left-back this summer, but failed to do so before the transfer window closed. Therefore, Shaw is still being trusted with an important role. His preseason medical results were normal, and the club hopes he can prove himself and earn a new short-term contract.

Manchester Evening News journalist Tyrone Marshall said: "Almost all Manchester United defenders face tests this season, but Luke Shaw especially so. His contract is about to expire, while other defenders have +1 options and he does not. Therefore, he must convince the club to offer him a new contract."

"Manchester United may handle him similarly to Harry Maguire, waiting until the second half of the season before deciding what to do. If they can sign Lewis Hall next year, Luke Shaw could become a substitute. He will also have to take a pay cut, and perhaps he would accept that in exchange for a two- or three-year contract."

British media reports indicate that Shaw's current situation is relatively favorable. If Manchester United had signed Hall, he might already have lost his starting position. It is believed that if United had acted earlier and pursued Hall before Newcastle United sold Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, they may have had a chance to sign him.

Now, Luke Shaw has a more relaxed environment in which to prove himself. He remains a clear first-choice player and can increase his chances of staying through his performances. His direct competitors at present are only right-back Noussair Mazraoui and youngster Harry Amass.

Next week will be the first test for the Manchester United left-back nicknamed "English Carlos." United will play twice in one week for the first time, traveling to Everton before returning home for their opening Champions League group-stage match against Qarabag, followed by a weekend clash with Manchester City. Whether Shaw can play in all matches and how he performs will affect the club's decision about his future.

Compared with Luke Shaw, 28-year-old Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez is expected to receive a contract extension. His deal expires at the end of this season, but there is a priority renewal option for one additional season, which Manchester United are expected to activate rather than allow him to leave for free.

The Sun reports that Manchester United will take action within the next four months to prevent him from being able to freely negotiate with other clubs in January next year. The club's senior figures expected this situation and hope to use a better communication approach than some former Manchester United players experienced.

Several years ago, Manchester United's Player of the Season Ander Herrera learned through a sent email that his contract extension had been approved. He felt he was not respected and eventually chose to leave when his contract expired, joining Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.

Manchester United are unlikely to easily let Licha leave, but the "Argentine Butcher" also needs to prove through actions that he deserves to continue playing for the club. Like Luke Shaw, Martinez has suffered too many injuries and has spent half of his time at Manchester United recovering. United will decide before next summer's transfer window whether to keep Martinez or sell him and bring in a replacement.