Manchester United are reportedly preparing to open talks with Luke Shaw over a new contract at the beginning of 2027, with the club continuing to view the experienced defender as an important part of their long-term plans at Old Trafford.

Shaw, who is currently 31 years old, is entering the final stage of his existing Manchester United contract, which is due to expire next summer. Despite his advancing age and the competition for places within the squad, United reportedly remain convinced that the England international can continue to play a significant role for the club.

The proposed discussions would represent another chapter in Shaw’s long association with Manchester United. The left-back has spent 12 years at the club since arriving from Southampton and has established himself as one of the longest-serving members of the squad.

Manchester United Still See Shaw as Their Starting Left-Back

One of the most significant aspects of the reported contract plans is United’s continued belief in Shaw as their starting left-back.

The club’s willingness to discuss a new long-term agreement suggests that the coaching and recruitment hierarchy still regard his experience, defensive ability and familiarity with the demands of playing for Manchester United as valuable assets.

Shaw joined United as a highly rated young defender and has since experienced numerous changes at the club, including different managers, teammates and tactical approaches. His longevity means he has considerable knowledge of the expectations that come with playing at Old Trafford.

At 31, Shaw would be expected to provide experience as well as quality on the left side of United’s defence. A new agreement could therefore allow the club to maintain continuity in an important position while also giving younger players time to develop.

Current Contract Expires in 2027

Shaw’s current deal is scheduled to expire in the summer of 2027. That means Manchester United will need to decide whether to extend his stay or allow him to enter the final months of his contract without a long-term agreement in place.

The reported plan to begin discussions at the start of 2027 would give both the club and player an opportunity to assess the situation before reaching a decision.

Contract negotiations at this stage can involve several factors, including the length of the proposed deal, salary, performance-related incentives and Shaw’s expected role within the squad.

For United, the decision will also be influenced by their plans for the left-back position and the development of other defenders competing for playing time.

Shaw’s £175,000-a-Week Salary

Another important factor is Shaw’s current salary.

The 31-year-old is reportedly earning around £175,000 per week at Manchester United. Any new contract would therefore need to take his existing remuneration into consideration.

A new deal could potentially involve a different salary structure, particularly given Shaw’s age and the changing nature of modern football contracts. Clubs increasingly use performance-related bonuses and appearance incentives when negotiating contracts with experienced players.

However, if United continue to view Shaw as their first-choice left-back, the club could decide that maintaining his services justifies a significant financial commitment.

Twelve Years at Old Trafford

Shaw’s potential contract extension would also underline the defender’s remarkable longevity at Manchester United.

He joined the club from Southampton in 2014 and has now spent 12 years at Old Trafford. During that time, he has been part of several different Manchester United squads and has experienced some of the club’s most significant changes since the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

His long-term association with United means that he has become one of the more experienced figures within the dressing room. That experience can be particularly valuable in a squad containing younger players who are still adapting to the demands of playing for one of the biggest clubs in English football.

What a New Deal Could Mean

If Manchester United successfully agree a new contract with Shaw, it would demonstrate the club’s desire to retain continuity at left-back.

It would also give Shaw an opportunity to continue his career at Old Trafford beyond 2027 and potentially reach an even longer milestone with the club.

For United, retaining an experienced defender could provide stability while the club continues to develop its squad. Shaw’s ability to operate as a left-back and his familiarity with the club’s environment could make him an important option for the coming seasons.

The reported talks are not expected until the beginning of 2027, meaning there is still time for both sides to consider their respective positions.

For now, however, the message from Manchester United appears clear: Luke Shaw remains part of the club’s plans.

After 12 years at Old Trafford, the prospect of a new contract could see the England international extend his Manchester United story well beyond the expiration of his current agreement in the summer of 2027.