Luke Shaw’s dramatic career turnaround has certainly been stark and one that has proven former Red Devils’ boss Jose Mourinho wrong.
The Manchester United defender is enjoying a stunning campaign throughout 2020/21. He has started 36 games in all competitions, racking up six assists and scoring once, even keeping summer signing Alex Telles constantly marooned to the bench.
Who should start at left-back for Manchester United?
Luke Shaw
Alex Telles
For a player who was constantly castigated by former manager Mourinho for his “attitude”, Shaw has certainly got one over the Portuguese.
His all-around game is one of the most eye-catching in the entire squad. According to WhoScored, the defender is averaging 1.4 tackles per game. Only four players in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad are providing more.
Meanwhile, he has also been a hugely potent weapon going forwards by contributing 2.1 key passes for game. For context, these are the highest numbers throughout his career in the Premier League and are only bettered by the inspirational Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford.
Praised for his “brilliant” performances by former Red Devils midfielder Roy Keane, the ex-Southampton full-back has even taken that excellent form onto the international stage by assisting Harry Kane for England’s opening goal against Albania on Sunday evening.
He now looks to be one of the first names on the teamsheet having started 30 matches this season, the second-most in his entire United career, and also returned to Three Lions contention for the first time since September 2018.
Only played 55 times in all competitions by the current Tottenham Hotspur boss Mourinho in his two-and-a-half years at Old Trafford, the defender has already played 92 matches under his successor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the same amount of time– faith that has certainly been rewarded.
It goes without saying then Shaw, who earns £150k per week at Old Trafford, will be aiming to continue his career turnaround throughout the remainder of the season and will hopefully aim to prove Mourinho wrong even more.
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