Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw has now celebrated 10 years at the club, having signed on 27 June 2014 from Southampton.
Since his arrival at Old Trafford, Shaw has proven to be one of Man United’s defensive stalwarts, a reliable option at left-back who is able to not only perform his defensive duties admirably but show his quality on the ball, supporting his teammates on the attack.
Life for the England international at United got off to a rocky start as a result of numerous injury setbacks. Having suffered hamstring and ankle injuries during his debut season, Shaw was only able to make eight appearances throughout the 2015/16 season due to battling a tibia and fibula fracture.
The next two seasons saw him struggle to get over his foot injuries and it was only in 2018/19 under Jose Mourinho and then Ole Gunnar Solskjær that he was finally able to get consistent game time.
It was on the opening day of that exact season that Shaw scored his first United goal, securing a 2-1 victory over Leicester City.
“I have worked really hard over the pre-season and I had a lot of time to reflect, and work on what I needed to. Even tonight, I know I can be better and that is what I want to keep showing the manager,” Shaw explained, expressing his intent to impress Mourinho.
Although he was playing second fiddle to Ashley Young at the time, it wouldn’t be long before Shaw would prove his worthiness to become a regular starter.
Winning 57% of his total duels and 64% of his aerial duels in the Premier League with 71% dribbling (Sofascore), Shaw was a revelation in 2018/19, winning the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for his performance.
Furthermore, Shaw was awarded Player of the Month that season in August, September, and March, proving his consistency.
While the following season saw Shaw battle with hamstring and ankle injuries at various points, he had clearly cemented his position in the squad as Solskjaer’s left-back of choice.
Despite having been part of United’s Europa League-winning squad of 2016/17, Shaw was unfortunately unable to play a part in the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final due to a foot injury. In 2020/21, he would have an opportunity to play an active role in the pursuit for Europa glory.
Following a tumultuous Champions League campaign that saw United finish third in their group alongside PSG, RB Leipzig, and Basaksehir, the club entered the Europa League, where Shaw would help his team all the way to the final, only to lose in a heartbreaking penalty shootout to Villarreal.
Despite such heartbreak, Shaw yet again proved his worth by winning his second Players’ Player of the Year award at United.
Fellow full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka heaped praise onto Shaw, admitting that his vote went to the England international. “Luke has been the standout for me, putting in the performances and that pushes me as well, to compete with him, to bring the best out of both of us.”
“He’s been positive throughout, making the most of every game. He’s not taken his foot off the pedal,” Wan-Bissaka concluded.
The following season was yet another rollercoaster, with Solskjaer being sacked and Ralf Rangnick assuming the role of interim manager for the remainder of the season. While United suffered another trophyless campaign while finishing sixth in the Premier League, Erik ten Hag’s arrival the following season would see a change of fortune.
Ten Hag’s debut managerial season at Old Trafford was a major success, with Shaw not only thriving as a left-back but also shifting to centre-back on occasion. He kept an impressive 11 clean sheets in 31 league appearances and played in his primary position at left-back in United’s 2-0 victory over Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final, helping to hand the club its first trophy in six years.
The past season was a tumultuous one for United, finishing eighth in the Premier League and coming last in their Champions League group. Still, the team would end the season on a sweet note, winning the FA Cup in a nail-biting 2-1 victory over Manchester City.
Sadly, Shaw’s season was again cut short by injuries, with the 28 year old only appearing in 12 Premier League games. Still, he made his presence known in United’s 2-1 win over Chelsea, a hard-fought goalless draw away at Liverpool, and a 3-0 drubbing of West Ham United.
Overall, Shaw has proven to be a consistent performer, exhibiting passion, grit, and a hunger for victory, as his contributions to the club’s rebuild have shown. His 10-year anniversary truly is a celebration of his impact at United since his arrival in 2014.
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