[youmeletsfly]

Looks like they working on his overlapping and crossing, but he's still dogshit at both.

I used to like him, but he has those brainfart moments where even a 5 year old would overlap and he still doesn't, just stops and passes it backwards.

 

[elmo]

You have to wonder why it's taken the penny so long to drop in terms of the overlapping runs, even as recently as the Spurs game he was still playing as an inverted FB bringing the ball infield rather than going on the outside, as long as he continues this way though I guess who cares

Was a close run thing for him being MOTM last night for me

Our left side was jammed up with Martial and Rashford trying to get the ball so they can cut in and run at goal.

I honestly feel that as Rashford and Martial gets more comfortable with their roles, Shaw's game is going to get even better with more freedom to bomb forward like what Evra used to do for us.

 

[Sylar]

This is what I want to see from him. Those runs to the byline, the overlapping runs, the extra man as an attacker. Some of his cut backs could be better, but at the same time, he still made a great pass to Bruno and its getting better.

This is much better than the standard ok performances earlier which were being rated highly.

 

[sugar_kane]

I was watching a Youtube vid of all our goals under Ole (up to and including the LASK game) last night and noticed how Shaw seemed to be involved in a huge amount of them, even if he didn't get the assist.

Now it may be that

1. that's just the nature of being a full back
2. I was rather drunk, and maybe I'm misremembering slightly

but it did surprise me, either way.

here's the video if anyone is interested

 

[arthurka]

Personally, his inability to deliver a final ball (or to shoot, which he tries to do from time to time lately, without any success) makes me think that the amount of praise that he had gotten here is a bit too much. Off-the-ball movement is great, when you can take advantage of finding yourself in good positions. It's weird, as he does have the technique to pull something good off, but he almost never does – I hope that this can be sorted out in training.

Agree with this.. I also have issues with his lack of closing down crosses into our box.

 

[Mickson]

Agree with this.. I also have issues with his lack of closing down crosses into our box.

He's also lazy and lacks energy. He's a good footballer but our expectations are too low here. Our FBs should be bombing forward all the time. When Shaw eventually does do that, it takes forever for him to get back home again.

 

[RedStarUnited]

Personally, his inability to deliver a final ball (or to shoot, which he tries to do from time to time lately, without any success) makes me think that the amount of praise that he had gotten here is a bit too much. Off-the-ball movement is great, when you can take advantage of finding yourself in good positions. It's weird, as he does have the technique to pull something good off, but he almost never does – I hope that this can be sorted out in training.

Fully agree.

The bar is so low with some people in here that when he makes a run and does an inevitable bad cross. Some people are just happy that he made the run. His final ball is really not good enough. One decent cross every other game is not enough.

 

[The United]

Shaw actually overlaps a lot this season. His final product needs to be better for sure.

People saying he doesn't overlap must be repeating some nonsense from whatever without actually watching the games lately.

 

[tenpoless]

Hey look he looks as good as when he was still a Southampton player.
Long may it continue.

 

[Web of Bissaka]

Tweet

— Twitter API (@user) date

 

[Andersons Dietician]

He's also lazy and lacks energy. He's a good footballer but our expectations are too low here. Our FBs should be bombing forward all the time. When Shaw eventually does do that, it takes forever for him to get back home again.

Do you guys actually watch our games and think about what is happening on the field? I think you need to stop and watch Shaw and watch his role in the team to see the job he is doing. Take of the blinkers of fullbacks bombing down the line and crossing and watch how he steps inside to protect Bruno and Pogba allowing them more freedom. his role depends on the positioning of Rashford Pogba and Bruno.

Hes also doing a brilliant job of helping us keep preasure on teams by simply keeping the ball circulating and keeping retention of the ball.

In many ways it’s similar to what Pep had Delph and Zynchenko doing to make up the numbers in midfield. Probably explains why at times Rashford is pinned on the touch line to allow Shaw to go between the Fullback and CB.

But Nah people can just ignore the clear tactics and whine about him not going down the line enough and committing to going at people.

 

[Mickson]

Do you guys actually watch our games and think about what is happening on the field? I think you need to stop and watch Shaw and watch his role in the team to see the job he is doing. Take of the blinkers of fullbacks bombing down the line and crossing and watch how he steps inside to protect Bruno and Pogba allowing them more freedom. his role depends on the positioning of Rashford Pogba and Bruno.

Hes also doing a brilliant job of helping us keep preasure on teams by simply keeping the ball circulating and keeping retention of the ball.

In many ways it’s similar to what Pep had Delph and Zynchenko doing to make up the numbers in midfield. Probably explains why at times Rashford is pinned on the touch line to allow Shaw to go between the Fullback and CB.

But Nah people can just ignore the clear tactics and whine about him not going down the line enough and committing to going at people.

He does things well, and keeping possession is one of his strengths. He's a good all-round defender, which is what you are describing now. That doesn't mean that he can't be upgraded on and should be in the future. As I said, he lacks energy among other things.

 

[Adam-Utd]

17 games 12 clean sheets.

Love him or hate him that's a fantastic record.

 

[roseguy64]

He does things well, and keeping possession is one of his strengths. He's a good all-round defender, which is what you are describing now. That doesn't mean that he can't be upgraded on and should be in the future. As I said, he lacks energy among other things.

He lacks energy yet he and Maguire have played the most during our current run? Bruno too I think.

 

[Andersons Dietician]

He does things well, and keeping possession is one of his strengths. He's a good all-round defender, which is what you are describing now. That doesn't mean that he can't be upgraded on and should be in the future. As I said, he lacks energy among other things.

But given his role in the team there aren’t many if any LB’s I can think of that can do his role. So I don’t see how anyone can say he can easily be upgraded upon. Especially when there aren’t any standout LB’s And the best one is probably at Liverpool.

He doesn’t lack energy either. Went 120 minutes just recently and was making runs in the final minutes. On top of playing almost every minute.

Like I said his current role in the team doesn’t seem as if it’s to be overlapping Rashford 24/7 and more to fit an extra body in midfield to get an overload there allowing Pogba and Bruno freedom and space. Yes he is at times making runs in beyond Rashford either inside or out but that’s nothing new. The difference is now Rashford actually passes so more people are starting to notice the runs that were always there just ignored by Rashford and fans.

 

[MikeKing]

But given his role in the team there aren’t many if any LB’s I can think of that can do his role. So I don’t see how anyone can say he can easily be upgraded upon. Especially when there aren’t any standout LB’s And the best one is probably at Liverpool.

He doesn’t lack energy either. Went 120 minutes just recently and was making runs in the final minutes. On top of playing almost every minute.

Like I said his current role in the team doesn’t seem as if it’s to be overlapping Rashford 24/7 and more to fit an extra body in midfield to get an overload there allowing Pogba and Bruno freedom and space. Yes he is at times making runs in beyond Rashford either inside or out but that’s nothing new. The difference is now Rashford actually passes so more people are starting to notice the runs that were always there just ignored by Rashford and fans.

It's a good point. I agree with this. Our best bet is probably to maximise the use of Shaw and take him for what he is. The guy has to improve further in my opinion, but he has talent and qualities that don't come easy. Which is why it is so frustrating to see him struggle to do some things that seemingly should be easy for him to improve on.

 

[Water Melon]

Do you guys actually watch our games and think about what is happening on the field? I think you need to stop and watch Shaw and watch his role in the team to see the job he is doing. Take of the blinkers of fullbacks bombing down the line and crossing and watch how he steps inside to protect Bruno and Pogba allowing them more freedom. his role depends on the positioning of Rashford Pogba and Bruno.

Hes also doing a brilliant job of helping us keep preasure on teams by simply keeping the ball circulating and keeping retention of the ball.

In many ways it’s similar to what Pep had Delph and Zynchenko doing to make up the numbers in midfield. Probably explains why at times Rashford is pinned on the touch line to allow Shaw to go between the Fullback and CB.

But Nah people can just ignore the clear tactics and whine about him not going down the line enough and committing to going at people.

Spot on.

 

[Skills]

Do you guys actually watch our games and think about what is happening on the field? I think you need to stop and watch Shaw and watch his role in the team to see the job he is doing. Take of the blinkers of fullbacks bombing down the line and crossing and watch how he steps inside to protect Bruno and Pogba allowing them more freedom. his role depends on the positioning of Rashford Pogba and Bruno.

Hes also doing a brilliant job of helping us keep preasure on teams by simply keeping the ball circulating and keeping retention of the ball.

In many ways it’s similar to what Pep had Delph and Zynchenko doing to make up the numbers in midfield. Probably explains why at times Rashford is pinned on the touch line to allow Shaw to go between the Fullback and CB.

But Nah people can just ignore the clear tactics and whine about him not going down the line enough and committing to going at people.

Our full backs need to stay back and defend like Maldini and then also bomb forward while prime Marcelo. If they fail on either front, they're a liability.

Oh btw, don't forget our midfielders also need to be controlling games like Pirlo or Scholes, defend like prime Makelele, put up Kevin De Bruyne numbers while simultaneously never giving the ball away. Not too much to ask.

 

[Isotope]

17 games 12 clean sheets.

Love him or hate him that's a fantastic record.

Yeh. So not fancy on upgrading any of our defence then? We can just throw in that stats.

 

[The United]

Yeh. So not fancy on upgrading any of our defence then? We can just throw in that stats.

It just means it is not priority atm. I would upgrade on a CB than FB when we do.

Both FBs are very good defenders which is what we need if we let our front 3 loose a bit more with less defensive duty.

 

[roonster09]

But given his role in the team there aren’t many if any LB’s I can think of that can do his role. So I don’t see how anyone can say he can easily be upgraded upon. Especially when there aren’t any standout LB’s And the best one is probably at Liverpool.

He doesn’t lack energy either. Went 120 minutes just recently and was making runs in the final minutes. On top of playing almost every minute.

Like I said his current role in the team doesn’t seem as if it’s to be overlapping Rashford 24/7 and more to fit an extra body in midfield to get an overload there allowing Pogba and Bruno freedom and space. Yes he is at times making runs in beyond Rashford either inside or out but that’s nothing new. The difference is now Rashford actually passes so more people are starting to notice the runs that were always there just ignored by Rashford and fans.

That was the case before but something has clearly changed. I have never saw him this fit, he is bombing forward in the last min of the game and he has played every game and 120 mins in one of the cup game. Whatever he is doing, he should keep it up. Shaw and Rashford combination has lot of potential. He should improve his final pass, he will get so many chances with overlapping runs.

I can't think of many better LBs in the league as a complete package. His defending is good, he is good footballer. Only thing he lacks is final pass .Like you said, Robertson is better, apart from that I don't think there is clearly better player than Shaw at LB.

 

[Isotope]

It just means it is not priority atm. I would upgrade on a CB than FB when we do.

Both FBs are very good defenders which is what we need if we let our front 3 loose a bit more with less defensive duty.

Upgrade on defence? But 12 clean sheets in 17 games. Or are you saying that stats shouldn't be use to gauge how good any of our player on defence is?

 

[Skills]

He's actually the best defender in the backline. Even better than AWB because he's solid in the air so can defend the back post a lot better.

 

[Andersons Dietician]

That was the case before but something has clearly changed. I have never saw him this fit, he is bombing forward in the last min of the game and he has played every game and 120 mins in one of the cup game. Whatever he is doing, he should keep it up. Shaw and Rashford combination has lot of potential. He should improve his final pass, he will get so many chances with overlapping runs.

I can't think of many better LBs in the league as a complete package. His defending is good, he is good footballer. Only thing he lacks is final pass .Like you said, Robertson is better, apart from that I don't think there is clearly better player than Shaw at LB.

On the highlighted part, I think everyone will agree in what we now view as the traditional LB role Robertson is better in an attacking sense. However Robertson could not do the job Shaw is doing For us currently. Nor could Chillwell, Telles, Gaya or the likes.

I think everyone is also in agreement when Shaw finds himself in those positions to cross or cut back, his final ball needs to be better. He’s never really been one to put in crosses as such. Even at Southampton he used drilled crosses or cutbacks.

I would like to see him take on more shots in those positions as if you take the last game for example you can see he is looking for a way to cut a ball back but there is no path to do so. In some of those situations just cannoning a shot towards goal would probably be more dangerous than continuing to delay the pass for it just to be blocked anyway. He has a cannon of a left as well I’ve seen it.

One other point a few weeks ago Bruno tried to find him from a corner on the edge of the box for a volley ala Scholes/Zidane esque. Yes I know mental, I too almost choked on my beverage but I guess they must think Shaw has the ability to pull this off if they are going to waste such an oppertunity.

 

[roonster09]

On the highlighted part, I think everyone will agree in what we now view as the traditional LB role Robertson is better in an attacking sense. However Robertson could not do the job Shaw is doing For us currently. Nor could Chillwell, Telles, Gaya or the likes.

I think everyone is also in agreement when Shaw finds himself in those positions to cross or cut back, his final ball needs to be better. He’s never really been one to put in crosses as such. Even at Southampton he used drilled crosses or cutbacks.

I would like to see him take on more shots in those positions as if you take the last game for example you can see he is looking for a way to cut a ball back but there is no path to do so. In some of those situations just cannoning a shot towards goal would probably be more dangerous than continuing to delay the pass for it just to be blocked anyway. He has a cannon of a left as well I’ve seen it.

One other point a few weeks ago Bruno tried to find him from a corner on the edge of the box for a volley ala Scholes/Zidane esque. Yes I know mental, I too almost choked on my beverage but I guess they must think Shaw has the ability to pull this off if they are going to waste such an oppertunity.

Shaw actually came close to scoring with his long rangers, always missed by few inches. He has potential to be a good threat.

It's great to watch Shaw's career is back on track again, such a highly rated player back then. I don't know if players can learn new things at his age but he really should learn how to curl the cross, that would make him such a great attacking threat.

Also maybe confidence thing, he hesitates in final third, takes extra touch or gives that extra second to defender to block the cross. Probably first time in his ManUtd career he is given the role of attacking LB. He even got couple of one on ones with GK and IIRC he was offside once too. That's very promising, his intent and also tactical shift.

 

[anant]

Shaw actually came close to scoring with his long rangers, always missed by few inches. He has potential to be a good threat.

It's great to watch Shaw's career is back on track again, such a highly rated player back then. I don't know if players can learn new things at his age but he really should learn how to curl the cross, that would make him such a great attacking threat.

Also maybe confidence thing, he hesitates in final third, takes extra touch or gives that extra second to defender to block the cross. Probably first time in his ManUtd career he is given the role of attacking LB. He even got couple of one on ones with GK and IIRC he was offside once too. That's very promising, his intent and also tactical shift.

He just turned 25. Not that old that he can't be taught newer things like improving crossing and all

 

[roonster09]

He just turned 25. Not that old that he can't be taught newer things like improving crossing and all

I know, just that I haven't seen people improve their crossing technique at that age. Hopefully he will work on that.

 

[Andersons Dietician]

It's great to watch Shaw's career is back on track again, such a highly rated player back then. I don't know if players can learn new things at his age but he really should learn how to curl the cross, that would make him such a great attacking threat.

If you think back to how different he was at Southampton to today it’s very different. Then he would just blitz past 4 people and get himself to the line for a cutback. Now he is a much more cultured player. I get people would probably prefer the Southampton version of Shaw that got him in to the team of the season but he is a far better footballer now.

Also maybe confidence thing, he hesitates in final third, takes extra touch or gives that extra second to defender to block the cross. Probably first time in his ManUtd career he is given the role of attacking LB. He even got couple of one on ones with GK and IIRC he was offside once too. That's very promising, his intent and also tactical shift.

I’ve always thought Jose did a bit of a number on him. There was a game against Norwich. He had been the regular starter up until this point. we had possesion he gave it to Martial and bombed forward for the return. Martial lost the ball and I think they scored from this situation. In the same game Shaw is trying to show the attacker down the line and the player whips out a wonder cross and Jose went mental at him and chewed him out on tv after the game. Saying he shouldn’t have attacked. Shaw was not seen again for a while after this and then picked up an injury.

I’m positive this is where Jose’s I need to control him rubbish came from as he wanted to limit the riskin Shaw’s play. I feel like that had a negative impact on his confidence going forward.

 

[roonster09]

If you think back to how different he was at Southampton to today it’s very different. Then he would just blitz past 4 people and get himself to the line for a cutback. Now he is a much more cultured player. I get people would probably prefer the Southampton version of Shaw that got him in to the team of the season but he is a far better footballer now.



I’ve always thought Jose did a bit of a number on him. There was a game against Norwich. He had been the regular starter up until this point. we had possesion he gave it to Martial and bombed forward for the return. Martial lost the ball and I think they scored from this situation. In the same game Shaw is trying to show the attacker down the line and the player whips out a wonder cross and Jose went mental at him and chewed him out on tv after the game. Saying he shouldn’t have attacked. Shaw was not seen again for a while after this and then picked up an injury.

I’m positive this is where Jose’s I need to control him rubbish came from as he wanted to limit the riskin Shaw’s play. I feel like that had a negative impact on his confidence going forward.

I remember his game vs Chelsea at Stamford bridge in 2014-15 season, he was such a constant attacking threat from left wing, made so many attacking runs and created chances. Then he was injured consistently, then next season started well and leg break, after that Jose.

Jose was the worst thing that could have happened to many of our young players.

 

[Web of Bissaka]

Currently who else can do the job better than him?

Bear in mind the system we're using and the other starting 10 players.

Just curious about this so called "World Class LB" that against-posters are saying.

No one at the moment.

 

[jamesjimmybyrondean]

Haven't really read through the tread but I think Shaw is good with cutbacks and I much rather prefer that over crosses. Especially when most of our players cant head the ball

 

[Cassidy]

He is better than Chillwell

 

[Terminator]

His cross to Bruno the other day should've been put away tbf. Needs to improve on his crossing but he is not as bad at it as people say he is.

 

[Web of Bissaka]

Do you guys actually watch our games and think about what is happening on the field? I think you need to stop and watch Shaw and watch his role in the team to see the job he is doing. Take of the blinkers of fullbacks bombing down the line and crossing and watch how he steps inside to protect Bruno and Pogba allowing them more freedom. his role depends on the positioning of Rashford Pogba and Bruno.

Hes also doing a brilliant job of helping us keep preasure on teams by simply keeping the ball circulating and keeping retention of the ball.

In many ways it’s similar to what Pep had Delph and Zynchenko doing to make up the numbers in midfield. Probably explains why at times Rashford is pinned on the touch line to allow Shaw to go between the Fullback and CB.

But Nah people can just ignore the clear tactics and whine about him not going down the line enough and committing to going at people.

Yep spot-on.

• Team Balance
• Right Positioning
• Possession play
• Pressure off team-mates
• Ball retention
• Build-up
• Starting attacks from left
• Defending all-around
• Well-timed attacks
• Overall it's a very good team play.

The only downside is Shaw's attacking not consistent but that has to do with his more disciplined deeper positioning roles and the players that play in front of him and fellow defenders. Those and at times Shaw is reluctant to attack sometimes. Confidence issue which is normal for players to have.

 

[Web of Bissaka]

If you think back to how different he was at Southampton to today it’s very different. Then he would just blitz past 4 people and get himself to the line for a cutback. Now he is a much more cultured player. I get people would probably prefer the Southampton version of Shaw that got him in to the team of the season but he is a far better footballer now.



I’ve always thought Jose did a bit of a number on him. There was a game against Norwich. He had been the regular starter up until this point. we had possesion he gave it to Martial and bombed forward for the return. Martial lost the ball and I think they scored from this situation. In the same game Shaw is trying to show the attacker down the line and the player whips out a wonder cross and Jose went mental at him and chewed him out on tv after the game. Saying he shouldn’t have attacked. Shaw was not seen again for a while after this and then picked up an injury.

I’m positive this is where Jose’s I need to control him rubbish came from as he wanted to limit the riskin Shaw’s play. I feel like that had a negative impact on his confidence going forward.

True, he's becoming an all-around complete FB.. not just a defender but an all-around footballer really that can do all.

Can we have Shaw take the left Corner Kick back please?
If Bruno is not around. His delivery from that left is pure quality.

I agree that Jose shocked his confidence going forward and basically worsen his attacking contributions, but the trade-off is we get a more balanced Shaw as Shaw took it well, knuckle-down and improved his drawbacks. Our team at that time doesn't need a bombing forward LB considering the LWs and Pogba playing in front. We actually get to first see that complete Shaw in Mou's 3rd season, firstly with Mou then continue on with Ole, where Shaw is our best player of the season.

 

[OnlyTwoDaSilvas]

He was very good before he had to go off. Real shame. I hope it was precautionary. He's looked solid recently. Some great linkup with Rashford.

 

[MyOnlySolskjaer]

Hope it's not serious.

 

[Raven]

Second best player after Martial today, I think him coming off was more of a precaution than anything or at least I hope.

 

[Andersons Dietician]

Wish that Rashford goal wasn’t off side as that was a brilliant break in to space and an excellent pass.

He is actually the only one in defence that seems to actually be ok when pressed. The others do not look good at all.

 

[Skills]

He's been great. Typical he gets injured now though.