Who is now United's longest-serving player?
David De Gea's departure, announced at the weekend, spells the end of an era for Manchester United.
The fact our much-respected no.1 and Phil Jones will not be part of the squad for the upcoming season means we no longer have any of Sir Alex Ferguson's signings or somebody who even played under the legendary former manager.
It may take some getting used to: The Independent's Richard Jolly posted on Threads to reveal this will be the first campaign since 1973/74 when United will not select a Red who either used to play for us under Sir Alex or would go on to do so in one of the Scot's teams, with defensive stalwart Arthur Albiston the key contributor to that particular jaw-dropping stat.
An honour to play alongside you over the last 9 years. A United legend. Good luck in your next chapter, you will be missed ❤️ (but not your music 😅) @D_DeGea pic.twitter.com/j3gPAm5jQ2
— Luke Shaw (@LukeShaw23) July 9, 2023
It leaves Luke Shaw as our longest-serving player, in terms of the time elapsed since he made his first-team debut.
Obviously, a number of those who came through the Academy have been at the club since their school days, Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay included, with that homegrown pair still in our top five, even when only considering their senior breakthrough.
Shaw, though, has been in the side for the lengthiest spell, since first appearing in the win over West Ham United in September 2014. The upcoming season will be Luke's 10th as a Red, following his switch from Southampton, and he is sure to relish the responsibility as a big influence in the dressing room.
Anthony Martial is in second place, with the French striker debuting just under a year later, in 2015, when scoring that memorable goal against Liverpool at Old Trafford.
Rashford is third, and has amassed more appearances than the other two, netting 123 goals in the process. Eric Bailly, who spent last term on loan at Marseille, is fourth, with McTominay next on the list.
It is worth pointing out Tom Heaton is in his second spell at the club but did not make a senior outing before leaving in 2010.
Shaw set to start 10th season as a Red
ArticleWe look at Luke's longevity as he prepares to be a key component of Erik's squad again in 2023/24.
LONGEST-SERVING REDS
1. Luke Shaw (debut 22.09.14)
2. Anthony Martial (debut 12.09.15)
3. Marcus Rashford (debut 25.02.16)
4. Eric Bailly (debut 07.08.16)
5. Scott McTominay (debut 07.05.17)