Luke Shaw made his first start for Manchester United since April in their Champions League tie against CSKA Moscow at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, and impressed in a rare outing for Jose Mourinho’s side.
Before the game kicked-off, Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard questioned Shaw’s professionalism on BT Sport, effectively pinning the blame for his absence from the first-team on the player, and asked why he hasn’t rose to the challenge set by his manager.
Scholes questioned Shaw the most, asking whether the 22-year-old is living a “clean” life. However, the left-back looked like his old self against the Russian side.
Before Shaw suffered a horrific double-leg break, and was told to “change his football brain” by Mourinho, the left-back was one of the most highly rated talents in English football. He cost United £30m after excelling for Southampton under Mauricio Pochettino. However, his time at Old Trafford has been very disappointing and difficult.
He has struggled for form and fitness, almost had his career ended and has had his professionalism questioned by Louis van Gaal and his current manager. Reports have recently linked him with a move to Spurs, with Danny Rose joining United, and he has completely fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford.
Yet, there’s always been a feeling that Shaw could still become an excellent player, and he reminded Scholes, Mourinho and United fans of his talent on Tuesday night. The England defender was very impressive his first start for seven months in United’s 2-1 win over their Russian opponent, a victory that confirms that they’ve won Group A.
4 – No Manchester United player had more touches in the opposition box in the first half against CSKA Moscow than Luke Shaw (4, double that of Romelu Lukaku). Surge. pic.twitter.com/I7u4S1MyV3
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 5, 2017
Shaw was deployed as a wing-back and put in a performance reminiscent of his days at Southampton. He was a constant threat down the left and one of the highest rated United players by Whoscored.
The 22-year-old’s display greatly impressed United fans, who will be hoping to see the left-back maintain this form, and for his manager to give him more first-team chances.
Mourinho now applauding Luke Shaw as he wins the ball back. #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) December 5, 2017
Luke Shaw has been fantastic tonight
— deek🇾🇪 (@derickdevine) December 5, 2017
Luke Shaw has been immense! #mufc
— Caolán Mac Hugh (@CMacHugh) December 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/J_Harris888/status/938153557878034433
https://twitter.com/seamyb1/status/938153162560720897
Luke shaw is playing game of his life
— Ole` Sitienei peter (@PeterSitienei2) December 5, 2017
