Luke Shaw has enjoyed a steady run in Manchester United’s starting XI this season. Once considered one of the brightest young left-backs in the world, the Englishman’s career hasn’t panned out as expected at the Theatre of Dreams.
There’s no denying that on his day, Shaw can be one of the best in his position. Unfortunately, injuries have been the 30 year old struggle to maintain this form throughout his career.
Last season, Shaw managed just 12 appearances across competitions for the Red Devils, missing much of the campaign with various injuries.
However, he has managed to stay fit this season, and has started all five games in the Premier League so far, registering 437 minutes of first team football. For context, the Englishman managed just 587 minutes last campaign.
Struggled against Manchester City
While he has been an omnipresent figure in Amorim’s backline this season, Shaw was at fault for two goals in the 3-0 defeat to Manchester City earlier this month.
His performance saw the Englishman come under severe criticism, particularly from United legend Roy Keane, who pointed out that Shaw has been “getting away with murder for years”.
While many expected Shaw to lose his place in the starting XI against Chelsea on Saturday, September 20, Amorim opted to put his trust in the player. The Englishman was solid against the Blues and justified his manager’s faith in him.
Shaw helped the Red Devils secure a 2-1 win over the west London giants, even playing a part in setting up Casemiro’s header. His efforts saw United pick up back-to-back wins at Old Trafford for the first time since Amorim’s arrival.
Shaw hurt by Keane criticism
After the game, as cited by ESPN, Shaw opened up on Roy Keane’s comments, acknowledging that the former United skipper was right to criticise him.
“I think sometimes you just have to take it on the chin. He’s got a lot of experience. He was one of the best captains ever for Man United. Of course it hurts,” said Shaw.
“I think criticism is part of being a football player. I listen to it. But for me, I think he was right. I think that last week, I wasn’t at my level at all.
“I don’t need Roy Keane to tell me. I think after the game, I knew that. I knew that, but of course it hurts. I’m not getting any younger now and I need to be consistent. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs, but for me now, it’s about keeping that consistency at a high level. I know I can do that.”
Shaw has appeared 292 times for United to date, registering four goals and setting up 29 more. He won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award in the 2018/19 campaign.
Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images
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Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
