Luke Shaw’s time at Manchester United has been a rollercoaster ride so far. Signed in 2014 as one of the best young left-backs in the world, the Englishman was expected to kick start a new era under Louis van Gaal.
Unfortunately, a horrific injury in September 2015 derailed his development at the Theatre of Dreams.
By the time he returned to full fitness, Van Gaal was gone, and José Mourinho had taken over the reins at Old Trafford. Shaw struggled to impress under Mourinho, but was back to his best following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s arrival.
The Englishman was so influential under the Norwegian manager that he won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year in the 2018/19 campaign. The 30 year old has been in and out of the team since, with his injury troubles failing to subside.
However, there’s no denying that when fit, Shaw remains an asset for the Red Devils.
United’s longest-serving player
Shaw became United’s longest-serving player following David de Gea’s departure in the summer of 2023, and knows how vital match-going fans are to the team’s success.
Speaking recently to the club’s website, Shaw was full of praise for the away fans.
“I know I touched on it earlier that I zone out when I’m in the game and stuff, but with the crowd, we always feel it. Us, as players, we always speak about them after games, especially at home,” said Shaw.
“The away fans, they really do amaze us – they’re so good. I can’t speak highly enough of them. They’re always there, good and the bad. They must sacrifice a lot to travel and be there for the team and always support us, even through bad times.”
“They’re always singing. They’re always loud, the roar you hear, it really helps us as players also. We’re forever grateful for them and, as I said, hopefully they can continue that this season because I feel really good about this season.”
“They’re consistent the whole way through, I think. From the time I’ve been here, the fans, the support, what we get, is incredible. It really is.”
“It doesn’t matter, winning or losing, they’re always there, home or away. It doesn’t matter where and we’ve had some really bad results, but they’ve always been there, cheering us, supporting us.”
“That’s why I say we’re forever grateful for that because we really appreciate it, especially during games, like I said. It always pushes us on and it does help.”
A natural fit in the back three
Shaw has started all three Premier League games this season as a left centre back in Amorim’s back three. The Englishman will now be eyeing a place in what will be his 16th Derby on Sunday, September 14.
Shaw famously scored a stunning solo goal against Manchester City at the Etihad in 2021, but that game was played behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
The Englishman will now hope that his performance can raise the volume in the away section this weekend.
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.
