[amolbhatia50k]

How on earth (and when) did Shaw turn into a world class LB. I was always high on him and felt the injuries derailed a fantastic career but this is just a class act.

He was a promising lad at Soton but wasn't that based on his quickness strength and stamina? The passing, the vision and close space control that's all new.

Does everyone realise Shaw is 25? He had been around for so long you'd expect him to be in his early 30s but no. 25

It isn't. He was brilliant at Southampton. Probably the most complete package I've seen in an 18 year old defender. And his passing and control have always been class, even before, but fitness and confidence was an issue.

I actually think he's the most reliable player in possession in this football team. With all our midfielders, I have a fear that they're going to feck up the next pass but never with Shaw. In conclusion - we need a CM like him!

 

[amolbhatia50k]

Never forget boys.

Rose, Willian and Perisic. Our future would be sorted

 

[Kostov]

Never forget boys.

Ah the dark ages when we had to fend off posters calling Shaw fat and we should offer Shaw and money for Rose.

 

[ClaytonBlackmoorLeftPeg]

Rose, Willian and Perisic. Our future would be sorted

Don’t forget Toby! What a colossal waste of money that would have been.

 

[Regulus Arcturus Black]

Never forget boys.

People have tried arguing with me about this, but it’s clear as day Woody has been telling the truth about the transfer board they put in place, in no small part due to things like this.
It’s been a good substitute for a DoF in my opinion.

 

[DanNistelrooy]

Neville said it in commentary but he's so confident at the moment that he's making these sort of passes look incredibly easy. The only other fullbacks in the league who are capable of pulling those sort of balls off are Alexander-Arnold and Cancelo - and neither of them come close to Shaw when it comes to defensive work.

Best fullback in the league this season and the more games that go by, the more I think he's our player of the season.

 

[ValenciasDrilledCrosses]

Most underrated player in the league, genuinely has an argument for the best performing player across the entire division let alone the best LB and it seems most rival fans don't even know he's been decent. Was reading some of the Spurs' fans reactions to the match and 90% of them seem to think Reguilon is a clearly better player than Shaw. Now I expect the awful takes on Bruno's ability from rivals but that truly left me shocked and confused.

 

[TrustInJanuzaj]

The narrative around Shaw would really change if he becomes first choice for England at the Euros because rival fans would see just how amazing he has become. I have no doubt he would perform too because at the moment he’s performing in every single game. Could be a real difference maker in that England side, I’m just worried Southgate will continue being an idiot and picking Chillwell instead.

 

[romufc]

The narrative around Shaw would really change if he becomes first choice for England at the Euros because rival fans would see just how amazing he has become. I have no doubt he would perform too because at the moment he’s performing in every single game. Could be a real difference maker in that England side, I’m just worried Southgate will continue being an idiot and picking Chillwell instead.

Shaw is the perfect example of a manager setting a narrative and it sticking. Jose has done this to many players in the past, called them out in public. Because other fans don't watch United, they think Shaw is lazy, crap player described by Jose.

For England, Southgate is a funny one because in some instances it seems he picks on form but in others he doesn't? So the goal keeping is 1, there Pickford will be his undisputed no.1 and it seems LB is another where Chilwell has the position.

 

[Glorio]

Says a lot that before Greenwood's goal put the game at Spurs beyond reach, the player I always willed the ball to go towards during the last minutes of the game was Shaw. You just knew we were more likely to keep possession if Shaw was on the ball - what a player

 

[Sylar]

Indeed, different approaches for different players.

What Fergie was great at
Some players need to be shouted at
Some need love
Some need challenges

All players are different and one approach doesn't work, that's why lvg and Jose failed massively

 

[Brwned]

How on earth (and when) did Shaw turn into a world class LB. I was always high on him and felt the injuries derailed a fantastic career but this is just a class act.

He was a promising lad at Soton but wasn't that based on his quickness strength and stamina? The passing, the vision and close space control that's all new.

Does everyone realise Shaw is 25? He had been around for so long you'd expect him to be in his early 30s but no. 25

Nah here’s Shaw at 18 against us.



Silky touch, tight close control, sharp passing and endless composure were some of the things that set him apart at that age.

 

[Lastwolf]

Shaw is the perfect example of a manager setting a narrative and it sticking. Jose has done this to many players in the past, called them out in public. Because other fans don't watch United, they think Shaw is lazy, crap player described by Jose.

For England, Southgate is a funny one because in some instances it seems he picks on form but in others he doesn't? So the goal keeping is 1, there Pickford will be his undisputed no.1 and it seems LB is another where Chilwell has the position.

It wasn't a difficult narrative to paint, Luke of 3 season ago looked done, he couldn't scrape 10 games a season together without getting a months long injury. He looked nervous, unfit and like he'd forgotten how to play football, "Luke played today with my brain and his body".

A lot of that could have been Jose's shut everything they are doing down mentality and his shattered confidence, at 23 at the start of that season, many had written him off, I know I had. I think Williams and signing Telles, did give him the boot up the arse and took the pressure off in another weirder way and I'm glad to have been wrong.

 

[Raven]

Nah here’s Shaw at 18 against us.



Silky touch, tight close control, sharp passing and endless composure were some of the things that set him apart at that age.

It really annoys me that people are trying to push the narrative that he's only coming good this season, not only has he been one of our best for almost 3 years, he was also one of the biggest talents in the world when he was 18. If Shaw didn't get to the level he's playing at now, it would have been a little disappointing I think.

 

[Hughes35]

I said a while ago in here that he has the best first touch in the team and maybe the best since Berba.

When he is fit, he's a top class left back. Seems to be getting fitter and fitter, better and better.

 

[thepolice123]

It wasn't a difficult narrative to paint, Luke of 3 season ago looked done, he couldn't scrape 10 games a season together without getting a months long injury. He looked nervous, unfit and like he'd forgotten how to play football, "Luke played today with my brain and his body".

A lot of that could have been Jose's shut everything they are doing down mentality and his shattered confidence, at 23 at the start of that season, many had written him off, I know I had. I think Williams and signing Telles, did give him the boot up the arse and took the pressure off in another weirder way and I'm glad to have been wrong.

He was already voted player of the season in 18/19, Williams and Telles came after that.

 

[spiriticon]

I honestly think at this moment he could play in any position and do a good job.

Feck it, let's just try him at centre forward or right wing.

 

[romufc]

It wasn't a difficult narrative to paint, Luke of 3 season ago looked done, he couldn't scrape 10 games a season together without getting a months long injury. He looked nervous, unfit and like he'd forgotten how to play football, "Luke played today with my brain and his body".

A lot of that could have been Jose's shut everything they are doing down mentality and his shattered confidence, at 23 at the start of that season, many had written him off, I know I had. I think Williams and signing Telles, did give him the boot up the arse and took the pressure off in another weirder way and I'm glad to have been wrong.

This is the problem, United fans believe in the narrative too.

Luke Shaw was player of the year not long ago, so there was something there.

This is a player who started of really well under LVG and got a double leg break, that is not easy to come back from.

When he came back, he had alot of injury issues, the manager had 0 confidence in him.

Since Ole came in, he done well and even last season, the numbers don't show it but post January he was one of our best players. Telles was signed as backup, yes it did give Shaw a little kick up the backside but he has been good for us for about a year now.

 

[Sparky_Hughes]

He really should be first name on the teamsheet whenever he is available

 

[The White Pele]

It isn't. He was brilliant at Southampton. Probably the most complete package I've seen in an 18 year old defender. And his passing and control have always been class, even before, but fitness and confidence was an issue.

I actually think he's the most reliable player in possession in this football team. With all our midfielders, I have a fear that they're going to feck up the next pass but never with Shaw. In conclusion - we need a CM like him!

In all seriousness, we should consider whether we evolve our shape so that at times Shaw tucks in to a more central area, almost as a second DM. Maybe this would solve the conundrum of how we get both Pogba and Bruno into the team and still maintain control without a double pivot.

I think this is a good solution against teams where we should dominate the ball.

 

[Floyd]

 

[Norris]

It really annoys me that people are trying to push the narrative that he's only coming good this season, not only has he been one of our best for almost 3 years, he was also one of the biggest talents in the world when he was 18. If Shaw didn't get to the level he's playing at now, it would have been a little disappointing I think.

I mostly agree with this. he's just been on an upward climb for a few years. I think I might slightly disagree with your last point though, I think if Shaw didn't get to this level (because of the leg break), it would be understandable.

But he's definitely my POTY.

 

[Nick7]

Nah here’s Shaw at 18 against us.



Silky touch, tight close control, sharp passing and endless composure were some of the things that set him apart at that age.

yeah he was absolutely class at that age.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

So was he a Moyes signing or a LVG signing? I think we officially signed him under LvG but wasnt the deal already done beforehand?

 

[luke511]

So was he a Moyes signing or a LVG signing? I think we officially signed him under LvG but wasnt the deal already done beforehand?

He was a delayed Fergie signing (I think)

 

[amolbhatia50k]

He was a delayed Fergie signing (I think)

Seems like too big a delay

 

[Maluco]

He did look done at one stage though and was struggling badly. Mourinho did him absolutely no favors, but he often did look unfit. He was probably stripped of confidence by a manager who seems to have a penchant for doing just that.

As others have said, he has looked great now for 2-3 years and in that period, just seems to have gotten better and better.

There is no point sticking together his early promise and his club form now and suggesting he was always great though.

He had a terrible time for a while and I think most would have been genuinely concerned about his future at one stage.

I absolutely love him as a player now though and he should be winning player of the season again this year. A rock so many times in so many situations.

He is as much a no brainer for the England team as Kane is up front. A complete standout in that position.

 

[Raven]

I mostly agree with this. he's just been on an upward climb for a few years. I think I might slightly disagree with your last point though, I think if Shaw didn't get to this level (because of the leg break), it would be understandable.

But he's definitely my POTY.

I agree with your point about the leg break, I didn't mean disappointed with him, I meant disappointed in general. He's shown incredible character to come back from his leg break and become the player he is now.

 

[amolbhatia50k]

He did look done and one stage though and was struggling badly. Mourinho did him absolutely no favors, but he often did look unfit.

As others have said, he has looked great now for 2-3 years and in that period, just seems to have gotten better and better.

There is no point sticking together his early promise and his club form now and suggesting he was always great though.

He had a terrible time for a while and I think most would have been genuinely concerned about his future at one stage.

I absolutely love him as a player now though and he should be winning player of the season again this year. A rock so many times in so many situations.

I don't think anyone is suggesting that he's been brilliant throughout his United career. What's being clarified is that:

• He was clearly technically gifted at Southampton
• He has been very good for us for awhile now - with possibly a minor blip in the middle due to fitness and other issues. But while he may have reached new heights this season the point is that you could see it coming considering he won our POTY not so long ago and his career trajectory has been on the up in recent years after a poor time before that.

 

[romufc]

I have seen a few posts wanting him as a CDM. What is this obsession of trying to change players positions.

I mean he is one of the best LB in the PL so why change anything?

 

[amolbhatia50k]

I have seen a few posts wanting him as a CDM. What is this obsession of trying to change players positions.

I mean he is one of the best LB in the PL so why change anything?

I wouldnt move him around, but I'd love for us to have a CM with his first touch and absolute composure on the ball.

 

[romufc]

I wouldnt move him around, but I'd love for us to have a CM with his first touch and absolute composure on the ball.

Yeah, we need a CM with composure. Instead of moving players around, we need to sign a specialist in that position.

This is a crucial position for us to rectify IMO, the transition from defence to attack is not there, a press resistant player who can pass is something we really need.

 

[Raven]

I have seen a few posts wanting him as a CDM. What is this obsession of trying to change players positions.

I mean he is one of the best LB in the PL so why change anything?

Why would anyone switch Lahm or Kimmich to midfield? Because I and some others feel he's one of our best players both on and off the ball and could have more of an impact in the centre. I'm fine with him remaining as a left back but I'd love to see him given a go at DM.

 

[luke511]

Seems like too big a delay

We were strongly linked with him the summer Fergie left, but that summer ended up being a disaster due to Moyes pissing about wanting to sign Baines and Fellaini at the same time. We ended up signing him the summer after.

 

[Norris]

I have seen a few posts wanting him as a CDM. What is this obsession of trying to change players positions.

I mean he is one of the best LB in the PL so why change anything?

I think it's just due to a couple of factors.

• FBs who have moved there in the past and done a good job (Can only think of Bayern players at the moment, but there might be more)
• Biggest problem with our midfield is the fact that nobody is great at holding the ball and subpar distribution. McT and Fred run their socks off and infact McT is really good at tight spaces, and once in a bluemoon Fred has a tremendous pass on him, but we currently need two people to do the job of one person as per folks here. So if our forthcoming window will see little activity, they might think Shaw can do the job there.

I don't agree with it, MF is congested and Shaw wouldn't be able to do what he's doing now, so I think he should remain at LB.

 

[0le]

Ole said he is one of the best finishers at the club. I thought it was a tongue in cheek comment but I am not so sure anymore (2:25).

 

[gajender]

Why would anyone switch Lahm or Kimmich to midfield? Because I and some others feel he's one of our best players both on and off the ball and could have more of an impact in the centre. I'm fine with him remaining as a left back but I'd love to see him given a go at DM.

Wasn't Kimmich always a CM or DM and as Good as Lahm was in Midfield he was clearly better as full back , maybe German posters could give better assessment on that .
Shaw is finally fulfilling his potential no point in changing things for sake of it.

 

[Raven]

Wasn't Kimmich always a CM or DM and as Good as Lahm was in Midfield he was clearly better as full back , maybe German posters could give better assessment on that .
Shaw is finally fulfilling his potential no point in changing things for sake of it.

He started out at RB I believe and according to Transfermarkt, has played 109 games there, he has played as a DM 121 times for comparison.

Dani Alves is another FB who can play in midfield because of his brilliant technical attributes.

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/joshua-kimmich/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/161056

 

[Brwned]

I think it's just due to a couple of factors.

• FBs who have moved there in the past and done a good job (Can only think of Bayern players at the moment, but there might be more)
• Biggest problem with our midfield is the fact that nobody is great at holding the ball and subpar distribution. McT and Fred run their socks off and infact McT is really good at tight spaces, and once in a bluemoon Fred has a tremendous pass on him, but we currently need two people to do the job of one person as per folks here. So if our forthcoming window will see little activity, they might think Shaw can do the job there.

I don't agree with it, MF is congested and Shaw wouldn't be able to do what he's doing now, so I think he should remain at LB.

Some of the best fullbacks ever have played significant periods of their career in midfield: the likes of Paul Breitner, Junior, etc. Marcelo is probably the best attacking fullback of the last decade and his breakthrough season at Madrid was as a centre mid, and at around about the same time, Roberto Carlos was settling into a midfield role after years at left back. In more recent times you have a midfielder like Alexander Arnold breaking through at fullback.

It is one of the positions that historically there has been a lot of overlap with. If you go back to the early 50s there were no fullbacks, just centre backs and halfbacks. Halfbacks played a halfway role between what we now think of as a fullback and a centre mid. When the back four became common some of those players became fullbacks, some centre mids, and some occupied that half space.

Guardiola has effectively recreated that halfback role from the 50s. Alves sort of occupied it but he was so dynamic that he spent more time wider, while Lahm, Walker and particularly Cancelo went on to play a role that was neither fullback nor centre mid, but a combination of the two that was context-dependent.

Ultimately the quality needed to play either role is very similar in a lot of respects. Shaw could play centre mid just like Fred could play left back.

 

[Raven]

Some of the best fullbacks ever have played significant periods of their career in midfield: the likes of Paul Breitner, Junior, etc. Marcelo is probably the best attacking fullback of the last decade and his breakthrough season at Madrid was as a centre mid, and at around about the same time, Roberto Carlos was settling into a midfield role after years at left back. In more recent times you have a midfielder like Alexander Arnold breaking through at fullback.

It is one of the positions that historically there has been a lot of overlap with. If you go back to the early 50s there were no fullbacks, just centre backs and halfbacks. Halfbacks played a halfway role between what we now think of as a fullback and a centre mid. When the back four became common some of those players became fullbacks, some centre mids, and some occupied that half space.

Guardiola has effectively recreated that halfback role from the 50s. Alves sort of occupied it but he was so dynamic that he spent more time wider, while Lahm, Walker and particularly Cancelo went on to play a role that was neither fullback nor centre mid, but a combination of the two that was context-dependent.

Ultimately the quality needed to play either role is very similar in a lot of respects. Shaw could play centre mid just like Fred could play left back.

Excellent post, I find it happens in Sunday league as well, there's often a FB playing CM/DM in my experience.