Luke Shaw is one of many players in desperate need of a boost at Manchester United, with the 27-year-old entering the final 12 months of his contract.
Shaw enjoyed a brilliant 2020/21 season, which included a spectacular EURO 2020 tournament with England. But since then, he has struggled with injuries and there have been no signs of a contract extension.
The left-back started Tuesday’s pre-season friendly against Liverpool in what was his first appearance since April. Shaw was part of the first-half lineup, which by many has been perceived as Erik ten Hag’s first-choice side.
Speaking ahead of the 90-minute affair with United’s bitter rivals, Shaw admitted that Ten Hag’s strengths as a coach are already apparent and that his ‘structure’ is something the club has lacked in recent years.
Read more: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer turns down opportunity to return to management
“It’s clear that he’s a top, top manager. He has a structure to play the way he wants us to play,” Shaw said, according to The Metro.
“We haven’t had that for quite a while, and it was clear to see last season, which was extremely disappointing. We have to bounce back [from last season] and he has been working us extremely hard, but I think we need it.
“We’re really looking forward to this season because I know it’s going to be much better than the last one.”
SN’s verdict…
The cynics of this world may interpret Shaw’s comments as a sly dig at Ten Hag’s predecessors but ultimately, Shaw’s future would have been far more uncertain if it wasn’t for Solskjaer’s influence on him.
With the arrival of Tyrell Malacia, who Ten Hag knows well, Shaw definitely has a point to prove this season and the possibility of him leaving next year is becoming increasingly likely.
He will want to earn a new contract and also cement himself in the England side further, having beaten Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell to the number one spot last year.
