Shaw is our best full back and best FB in Europe (edited)

TRUERED89

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Rio just now on BT Sport said he asked Ole on one of his first training sessions as manager how he'd manage Luke Shaw. Ole replied with "Luke's shown me something already, I'll get the best out of him".


Player and manager each deserve credit for the upturn here.
No chance that’s happening around here.
 

UpWithRivers

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Brandon Williams is a a great prospect. But prospect is the key word. Its typical fans ad media to start hyping any new player after a hand full of games - (See Ighalo should replace Martial all of a sudden). Shaw was player of the year last year and people say its because of Brandon he is playing well now. Its not. He has been consistent for a while. Injuries have set him back and he does have weaknesses but I could never understand why he is targeted when there are so many other issues and positions that we are much weaker in. Also his main criticism is his lack of influencing our attacking moves but I find that odd when Wan B gets a free pass by saying well he is good defensively. Both our full backs are useless in attack but defensively sound. Thats the players we we have got and we need to find a way to play with them because its just the type of players that they are.
 

Skills

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Brandon Williams is a a great prospect. But prospect is the key word. Its typical fans ad media to start hyping any new player after a hand full of games - (See Ighalo should replace Martial all of a sudden). Shaw was player of the year last year and people say its because of Brandon he is playing well now. Its not. He has been consistent for a while. Injuries have set him back and he does have weaknesses but I could never understand why he is targeted when there are so many other issues and positions that we are much weaker in. Also his main criticism is his lack of influencing our attacking moves but I find that odd when Wan B gets a free pass by saying well he is good defensively. Both our full backs are useless in attack but defensively sound. Thats the players we we have got and we need to find a way to play with them because its just the type of players that they are.
This is a great post. Also as great a prospect as people believe Williams to be, Shaw himself was an even higher rated one when he was at Southampton.
 

Nickelodeon

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I feel that sample set of all such statements (threads these days) should be based on a longer duration. One game in and people start making sensational statements. Also applicable to the Ighalo should start over Martial thread. It's not that Shaw isn't our best FB or Ighalo could potentially do better than Martial, but it needs to tested over a longer period of time for it to be a measured opinion.
 

ThinkTank@Cafe

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Luke has been outstanding lately, but let’s see the overall performance throughout the season.

So far, AWB is our best fullback by far. He was solid defensively since the beginning of the season. In recent games, he’s adding to his attacking play as well.

All our fullbacks including Dalot (given his fitness situation) are doing pretty well. I’m happy with this set of full backs.
 

roonster09

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If he can learn to cross (not just float the ball) by whipping it then he would be such a dangerous player. I haven't seen him crossing the ball where the ball curls back to attacker. His crosses are hit in straight line or just smash the ball into the box and hope for the best.
 

roonster09

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Brandon Williams is a a great prospect. But prospect is the key word. Its typical fans ad media to start hyping any new player after a hand full of games - (See Ighalo should replace Martial all of a sudden). Shaw was player of the year last year and people say its because of Brandon he is playing well now. Its not. He has been consistent for a while. Injuries have set him back and he does have weaknesses but I could never understand why he is targeted when there are so many other issues and positions that we are much weaker in. Also his main criticism is his lack of influencing our attacking moves but I find that odd when Wan B gets a free pass by saying well he is good defensively. Both our full backs are useless in attack but defensively sound. Thats the players we we have got and we need to find a way to play with them because its just the type of players that they are.
No he doesn't get free pass, there is a huge thread dedicated just to discuss his poor attacking ability.

Also this is Shaw's 7th or 8th season at ManUtd and there isn't improvement in his attacking play, this is AWB's first season for us and there is improvement in his attacking game.

IMO Shaw is better footballer but AWB is better FB.
 

12OunceEpilogue

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He was cruising without putting in enough effort. Williams getting in the first team has given him a royal kick up the arse and I'm very happy about it.
I think that's very possible, and considering attitude has been a huge question mark over Shaw throughout his United career fair play to him for reacting positively. He's left those who wanted him jettisoned this season in favour of Williams with a bit of egg on their face.
 

James Peril

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Being fit and on form is an ability in itself. Look at Ronaldo, look at Messi, always fit and always producing at their peak. Then look at Kane, huge question marks over his ability to perform over a full season, especially as he gets older.
Luke Shaw is not able to offer his services over 38 games and he is shattered by it, I can promise you he thinks about his leg breaking when he sees danger, and that will always take away %’s from his true ability.
 

Skills

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Being fit and on form is an ability in itself. Look at Ronaldo, look at Messi, always fit and always producing at their peak. Then look at Kane, huge question marks over his ability to perform over a full season, especially as he gets older.
Luke Shaw is not able to offer his services over 38 games and he is shattered by it, I can promise you he thinks about his leg breaking when he sees danger, and that will always take away %’s from his true ability.
Recency bias of football fans.
 

Andycoleno9

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No he doesn't get free pass, there is a huge thread dedicated just to discuss his poor attacking ability.

Also this is Shaw's 7th or 8th season at ManUtd and there isn't improvement in his attacking play, this is AWB's first season for us and there is improvement in his attacking game.

IMO Shaw is better footballer but AWB is better FB.
Awb gets free pass here and even you just did it. Modern FB, especially in big club whos goal is to dominate and attack, must play in both ways. Awb doesn't do that. He is bellow average in attack ( and i am being generous here). His ball control, crossing, dribble, cutting inside...is just not good enough. He is not bad but he is not good either. But because he plays defence very good he does get free pass. Yes, there is a thread there about his attacking game but it is far from being critical. Many posts there are diplomatic just like you did it right now. "He is not good but will improve".
For years Valencia and Young were destroyed here regarding their attacking game. Well Valencia looks like Dani Alves comparing to AWB.
 

roonster09

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Awb gets free pass here and even you just did it.
No I didn't. I explained why he gets bit less of a shit than Shaw and when there is a huge thread discussing his poor attacking play, I don't know how anyone can say he gets free pass. It's like people just read what they want and draw the conclusion they want.

Every game people question AWB and even when he plays well, people question his ability as he looks awkward on the ball.

AWB contributes to more goals when compared to their time at ManUtd, AWB also wins more tackles, completes more dribbles. Have to check who creates more chances.
 
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arthurka

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Shaw was getting comfortable here and needed a kick in the backside. Think it worked bringing in Williams.
This, loosing his place to Williams seems to have ignited a spark in his belly. He has been really good for a month now, long may it continue.
 

Danny Roberts

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He's hit and miss, shows promise then falls off. I still think he needs to lose weight and then if he can keep free of injury we might at last see the best from him.
 

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If Shaw is our best fullback we might as well retire the no.2 and no.3 shirt and just string 4 CB's across the back-line and hope for width further up the pitch, the guy is a very very limited footballer who has been living on easy street for far too long. He's improved slightly with the emergence of Brandon Williams but I doubt any of the top twenty clubs in Europe would take Shaw even on a free transfer.

I know Bailly is no.3, but you know what I mean
 

Eckers99

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Whatever your opinion on Shaw v Williams, having 2 players of that immediate - and potential - quality fighting over the same spot is excellent for the club. One less position to be concerned about.
 

VeevaVee

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When he has a good game (including in attack) yeah. But you don't rate a player off a couple of games a season. Lots of people fell into that trap with Jones and bigged him up for years (and years) because of it. Shaw is more useful than Jones, but he needs to contribute more consistently.
 

-Supreme-

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He's just 24 as well, his next goal is to remain injury free and consistency should come over the next coming years

Another player that has greatly improved under Ole.
 
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Nikelesh Reddy

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There was a thread how Williams is better than Shaw so why not to go in opposite way. When he is in form and fit ( which is not that often i know) i think that he is excellent full back and better than AWB( and other full backs). He does similiar job as AWB in defence but on different way. AWB chase attackers and tries to solve most situations with tackles and Shaw just position himself better in defence and don't give space to attackers to go past him.
In attack i think that nobody can't deny that Shaw is a clear winner.

To be clear here; i am not saying that AWB is bad player. I just think that Shaw is more modern full back than AWB.
I completely agree.In terms of potential and talent,it’s not even close,Luke Shaw is the most naturally gifted full back at the club.Hes been ridiculously unlucky with injuries over the years,but hopefully he’s finally turned a corner.If he stays fit,he”ll be one of the first names on the team sheet for the foreseeable future..,
 

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To think it's taken this long for him to start showing his full potential.(Obviously his horrendous injury playing a big roll in that). Should walk into that England LB spot. Good on the lad! And yes he's our best full back!
 

Class of 63

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I completely agree.In terms of potential and talent,it’s not even close,Luke Shaw is the most naturally gifted full back at the club.Hes been ridiculously unlucky with injuries over the years,but hopefully he’s finally turned a corner.If he stays fit,he”ll be one of the first names on the team sheet for the foreseeable future..,
I think you should google 'gifted' ;)
 

Sparky Rhiwabon

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I find it interesting (even strange?) that as a club we seem to be bucking the trend in the modern game of full backs being predominantly an attacking role, instead going for more traditional defensive full backs in both Shaw and AWB, both of whom are pretty solid defensively but not that comfortable or skilled going forward. As much as I hate to focus on them, I guess Liverpool are the standout example of the other extreme, with TAA and Robertson contributing 21 assists this season between them.

However, looking round this forum, it seems that most fans are happy with the way we're going in this department.
 

meamth

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I think Williams has a higher ceiling but if ever there is evidence needed that competition for spots is essential to motivating players and keeping them sharp then look no further.
Williams is better dribbling, Shaw is without a doubt the better footballer. His technique is significantly better, that made him so much comfortable to defend.
 

TrustInJanuzaj

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Meh shaw has been underrated for ages, I’ve said for time that he’s certainly no worse than Chillwell (in fact I think he’s better)
 

MadDogg

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Yeah, just wondered why you were using it to describe Like Shaw, who isn't gifted or exceptionally talented. Beyond pace and bulk he is very limited with little to no game understanding.
Shaw has fantastic touch and passing, especially for a fullback. It's his offensive decision-making that holds him back (in the sense that he doesn't make the runs or take up the positions that would make him far more effective).
 

Chinchy98

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Shaw has fantastic touch and passing, especially for a fullback. It's his offensive decision-making that holds him back (in the sense that he doesn't make the runs or take up the positions that would make him far more effective).
Im not sure his passing is that great, especially in attacking phases/transitions. Yes he’s comfortable passing laterally most top flight players are. I’m yet to see him consistently play balls through the lines and/or defeat the press with vertical play nor be a dominate attacking force for a full 90 minutes, don’t get me wrong he’s doing well but I can’t help but feel this will be an area that we look to improve upon once we sort out our glaring issues.

In the interim let’s hope the form continues
 

AltiUn

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Meh shaw has been underrated for ages, I’ve said for time that he’s certainly no worse than Chillwell (in fact I think he’s better)
For me, Chillwell's always been a case of the grass is always greener on the other side, he's a good player but the way people went on about him you'd expect a bit more from him.
 

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Shaw is definitely more solid and reliable than Wiliams. I'd definitely have Shaw in my first team.
 

TrustInJanuzaj

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For me, Chillwell's always been a case of the grass is always greener on the other side, he's a good player but the way people went on about him you'd expect a bit more from him.
Completely agree with that!
 

spiriticon

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Hopefully this guy maintains his fitness while having corona time off! He's not got a great track record of doing this.

No Cheetos please Luke.
 

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Shaw has fantastic touch and passing, especially for a fullback. It's his offensive decision-making that holds him back (in the sense that he doesn't make the runs or take up the positions that would make him far more effective).
Carrying the ball forward in the middle third of the field he has few equals in the Premier League, but at the business ends of the pitch he is seriously lacking , in defence he uses his pace well to 'get back in' when the forward has got on he wrong-side of him, which is great, but then more often than not when well positioned he doesn't stop the cross going in, and in attack he's definitely got the latter-day Nani's, when he needs to stand it up he drills it low, and when he needs to drill it low he stands it up.

Never really noticed his passing, other than his reluctant to use his weaker foot which often leads to any momentum being taken out of our attacking play as he readjusts.

The kid needs to spend the Summer staying fit, and kicking a tennis ball against a wall/garage door right-footed day and night, then we might have a player.
 

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Shaw is better when there's something to light a fire under him - see: Mourinho, Williams. Some players can motivate themselves but others need a catalyst.
which really says an awful lot about him. One of a group of players who can’t be arsed unless they have to. It took a kid, playing on his wrong side to put him to shame. He’ll have to keep it up, big time, otherwise Ole will send him the same way of Lingard, Jones etc. Williams , like Greenwood is being used wisely and sparingly due to their age. Shaw is lucky he has a chance to finally shift his arse. It’ll be his last chance.
 

Denis' cuff

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Carrying the ball forward in the middle third of the field he has few equals in the Premier League, but at the business ends of the pitch he is seriously lacking , in defence he uses his pace well to 'get back in' when the forward has got on he wrong-side of him, which is great, but then more often than not when well positioned he doesn't stop the cross going in, and in attack he's definitely got the latter-day Nani's, when he needs to stand it up he drills it low, and when he needs to drill it low he stands it up.

Never really noticed his passing, other than his reluctant to use his weaker foot which often leads to any momentum being taken out of our attacking play as he readjusts.

The kid needs to spend the Summer staying fit, and kicking a tennis ball against a wall/garage door right-footed day and night, then we might have a player.
the lad has got the goods but is way behind in terms of development. As acknowledged, is seriously lacking in end product and has been awol umpteen times while his head takes a holiday whilst dreaming about meat pies. Often clueless who is supposed to be marking but maybe on the mend?