Old Trafford has not been a happy home for players or managers over the last decade or so, with Manchester United largely in a slump since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
That’s not to say there have been no highlights and trophies have continued to come in over the years, but the club have rarely mounted serious challenges for top honours since their 2013 Premier League title win.
Equally concerning has been the churn of players who seem to arrive full of life and promise only to underwhelm, with managers hung out to dry by disillusioned stars on massive wages downing tools, making for a dismal atmosphere at the club.
Current boss Ruben Amorim was thrown in at the deep end and oversaw United’s 15th-place Premier League finish, their worst ever. But now one of his senior players has spoken glowingly about the culture shift in the Red Devils dressing room.
Shaw confirms “toxic” environment
As quoted by GOAL, Luke Shaw has confirmed that at times the environment at United has been “toxic”, a strong term often thrown around by disgruntled fans and pundits.
Shaw said: “It’s not hard to see from the outside what it’s been like. A lot of the time I’ve been here over the last few years, it’s been extremely negative. It can be quite toxic, the environment; it’s not healthy at all. We need an environment that’s healthy, that’s positive, that’s got good energy and happiness.”
The left-back continued: “I think when you have all those things, you feel free, and you express yourself more on the pitch. Things come together and I think, especially this pre-season, us as a team, I feel like the bond is growing and growing.
“I feel like in my time here, it’s probably the closest I’ve felt with the squad. I think the atmosphere is really good and extremely positive. Hopefully, that can continue.”
It’s certainly a good indication from a player who has been at the club since 2014, and suggests Amorim is going about things the right way.
“Tough” Amorim a revelation
Shaw was effusive in his praise of the Portuguese, who took over from Erik ten Hag last season.
Speaking about his head coach, the England international said: “There are no stragglers in this group anymore. His mentality, his demands, he’s extremely tough on the group. He leaves no stone unturned. Everyone has to put the team first. He’s made that very clear. He’s picking players on who he feels will be best for the team and that’s his choice.”
Shaw’s use of “anymore” is interesting, suggesting he is pulling no punches over the disjointed dressing rooms previous managers have overseen.
He continued: “As players, we’re fully behind him and fully behind on his ideas and what he wants to implement in the team. We feel like a real team, especially in this pre-season since I’ve been back. The group is so together and that’s something that we need to keep, to make us more of a family and to keep everyone together, driving in the right direction.”
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Joe Ponting
Joe has spent more than half his life writing about football and all of it following United. As a child he told a doctor his name was ‘Paul Scholes’, but could never pick a pass like him no matter how much he tried.
