[Floyd]

His acceleration is just pure sex.

 

[Andersons Dietician]

He was the wingback - it's Blind's job to track the runner for the goal, and sweep up behind him when hes attacking players in possession.

I'd play him on the left of the back 3 against City, to deal with the inverting Sterling - Rojo was a shambles against Arsenal and Shaw can match Sterling for pace and low centre of Gravity.

I was going to say something similar, you can tell a lot of people don’t understand the job of a Wingback and just keep comparing it to a FB. It’s not something that has been used all that much in this country so it’s easy to see why people are getting so confused.

I’m not sure I’d start Shaw on Sunday but yeah some of his runs getting back and Just escorting the player off the ball were magnificent. He’s for sure put himself right on Ashley’s shoulder with a performance like last night

 

[Acole9]

He did not play like someone making their first start in something like 200 odd days, the Swansea match last season? He was deadly down that left side, I was wrong to have written him off.

 

[MyOnlySolskjaer]

Even though Shaw is a far better defender than he is going forward (historically).

He's closer to Ashley Cole than Evra.

Gerard is a goon as a commentator.

Agreed, I think he's got a lot to work on offensively, his dribbling and acceleration is very good but he needs to add more when we're in the final third. Defensively, he's always been good. Even looking back at his Southampton days his defending was never questionable.

 

[Robbo's Shoulder]

Was outstanding 1st half last night, tired in the 2nd which was understandable. If, and it's a big if, he can get his head sorted and has the right attitude he could easily become our LB/LWB for years to come. Hope he can, i really like the lad.

 

[CM]

I certainly wouldn't say he was bad defensively yesterday. At worst there were a couple of small lapses of concentration - the Mata pass across the box which he wasn't expecting (though it wasn't the smartest pass either) and a cross that came in that he was a little hesitant with. Still, in both instances he got to the ball and made up for it.

In the first few minutes he made quite a few good clearances and interceptions too. Obviously he isn't ready to dislodge Young just yet but he took his chance and deserves to get a few more in some of the lesser games.

 

[SirAF]

Scholes suggested he and Rooney have the same health issues.
Both don't take care of themselves.

Pretty interesting to hear someone that actually played with Rooney for years and years to call him out on his lifestyle - even if it was just in passing.
We all know about it, but I think that's the first time a former team mate/coach has said anything?

 

[bond19821982]

There was one point when Pogba found him through the lines. This is what we have been missing this season. As good as young is, he always cuts back before crossing. What we need is a first time cross after getting behind the last defender .

 

[M4YON]

Agreed, I think he's got a lot to work on offensively, his dribbling and acceleration is very good but he needs to add more when we're in the final third. Defensively, he's always been good. Even looking back at his Southampton days his defending was never questionable.

Correct, it was never his defending or his ability to get forward to help the team in the final 3rd it was his positioning, mentality and commitment that Mourinho questioned.

Judging by Mourinhos comments after the game saying Shaw had deserved his chance for a long time he's fixed his commitment side of things and there was nothing wrong with his positioning during the game last night so he has to keep things up and he could save his career here, I hope he does.

 

[Brightonian]

I get that “match fitness” might give an edge. Marginal gains and all that. But fecking going down with cramp with 15 minutes left to play - in such a controlled and comfortable match -is borderline disgraceful. Wayne Rooney was the classic, genetically un-athletic footballer, who needed to play every week to be at his best. And he paid the price with an unusually brief career at the highest level. But I never once remember him getting cramp in normal time. That’s just unacceptable.

Feck knows what’s going on in his head. Maybe Shaw needs the carrot of regular first team football to even make the minimum effort required in training? Which is obviously a big problem but hey, yong and lernin, I guess...

I struggle to jump on board with this sort of condemnation because we don't actually know anything at all about what happens in training. Which is where your criticism really comes from - if he'd gone down with cramp like that but there'd never been questions raised about his application or physical condition then you definitely wouldn't have such a strong reaction to it. All of those questions have been raised by the media, sometimes out of thin air, sometimes going off one or two managers' statements from LVG and Mourinho.

Now I'm not saying I don't believe he has attitude problems and hasn't always kept himself fit enough, I'm just saying that we don't really know for sure. I didn't use to be naive enough to take Fergie's public statements about players attitudes as hard fact so I'm sure as hell not going to do it with Mourinho either, whose various agendas regularly and palpably influence the 'information' he feeds the media.

Or, to put it more briefly, I prefer to base my opinions of players on what I can see with my own two eyes on the pitch and just ignore the mass of unverifiable rumour and he-said-she-said concerning everything else. Especially when it comes to criticising young players.

 

[AXVnee7]

His luck is so bad. A really good performance by him, but Young happens to be in absolute electrifying form at the moment after having come from nowhere .

Still it's a good sign and if we have manage to get 2 Lbs firing and competing for a spot then that bodes very well for us. Especially when you consider it's a position many feel we need to strengthen in January.

 

[Andersons Dietician]

i had this theory last year but it’s still sort of an issue I guess. Pogba mostly plays on his side and likes to wonder and go where he feels he can impact the game mostly and Shaw wants to get forward and although defensively I think he’s pretty switched on their are going to be times with that base of 2 in midfield we are going to get exposed.

Shaw is either going to have to be really really switched on to what Pogba is doing which might hinder his own game or LCB is otherworldly and can cover both or we switch that midfield to a Dm Matic, Cm Herrera then Pogba.No matter who it is at LB/LWB with Pogba we might always have a little bit of a weakness there.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

I struggle to jump on board with this sort of condemnation because we don't actually know anything at all about what happens in training. Which is where your criticism really comes from - if he'd gone down with cramp like that but there'd never been questions raised about his application or physical condition then you definitely wouldn't have such a strong reaction to it. All of those questions have been raised by the media, sometimes out of thin air, sometimes going off one or two managers' statements from LVG and Mourinho.

Now I'm not saying I don't believe he has attitude problems and hasn't always kept himself fit enough, I'm just saying that we don't really know for sure. I didn't use to be naive enough to take Fergie's public statements about players attitudes as hard fact so I'm sure as hell not going to do it with Mourinho either, whose various agendas regularly and palpably influence the 'information' he feeds the media.

Or, to put it more briefly, I prefer to base my opinions of players on what I can see with my own two eyes on the pitch and just ignore the mass of unverifiable rumour and he-said-she-said concerning everything else. Especially when it comes to criticising young players.

Hmmm... You mean stuff like a professional footballer blowing out his arse after an hour of football then goinng down with cramp 15 minutes before the end of a match? That’s mainly what I’m basing my opinion on here tbf. That and a similarly out of shape performance in the last match he started before this one (U-23s)

Unless I’m losing my mind and this happens regularly? Only it’s something I only associate with extra time in particularly draining matches. The last United footballer I remember with a similar inability to last 90 minutes was Anderson and we all know how that ended.

 

[Swift Football]

He indeed had a great game yesterday, especially for a lad who has been missing games since long time. Now that we are into jammed holiday period, he will surely get few more chances to show what he can do. Hopefully, he performs like yesterday and cement his place here. But knowing its the same guy who couldnt be ar*ed about getting fat, I do not know whether he is fighting to save his career here, or for wages in his next club.

I am not a huge fan of Shaw's defending and most importantly his attitude. As much as I want him to suceed here, time is running out for him. I believe, since he is not given new contract yet, United will not risk letting him go for free next summer and will sell him this january for 15-20M.

 

[Damien]

Hmmm... You mean stuff like a professional footballer blowing out his arse after an hour of football then goinng down with cramp 15 minutes before the end of a match? That’s mainly what I’m basing my opinion on here tbf. That and a similarly out of shape performance in the last match he started before this one (U-23s)

Unless I’m losing my mind and this happens regularly? Only it’s something I only associate with extra time in particularly draining matches. The last United footballer I remember with a similar inability to last 90 minutes was Anderson and we all know how that ended.

Mourinho's not been afraid to publicly criticise a player and he didn't seem to have any issue with Shaw's cramp:

"Very, very positive performance, especially with the ball going forward. Really dangerous, creating a lot, great intensity in his game. No surprise that in minute 80 he is feeling the consequences of that intensity (by suffering cramp). It is normal, the first match of the season for him, but he was deserving of that opportunity for quite a long time. And he's going to get more because the performance was really positive."

Agree with you on his positioning being an issue. Think he becomes a bit complacent partly due to his speed thinking he can run back and catch them but it isn't guaranteed and he almost conceded a penalty at one point. I do think if we had played with a back four he wouldn't have gone running up the pitch anywhere near as much and the offensiveness was an instruction by Jose. If he wasn't happy with it, he would have said for sure instead of saying he created a lot with intensity and even said he was deserving of the opportunity. Might just be saying it to put him in the shop window but I don't think Jose is bothered about that.

 

[SirAF]

He indeed had a great game yesterday, especially for a lad who has been missing games since long time. Now that we are into jammed holiday period, he will surely get few more chances to show what he can do. Hopefully, he performs like yesterday and cement his place here. But knowing its the same guy who couldnt be ar*ed about getting fat, I do not know whether he is fighting to save his career here, or for wages in his next club.

I am not a huge fan of Shaw's defending and most importantly his attitude. As much as I want him to suceed here, time is running out for him. I believe, since he is not given new contract yet, United will not risk letting him go for free next summer and will sell him this january for 15-20M.

I think there is a +1 clause in his contract that has already been activated.

 

[Lawman]

I get that “match fitness” might give an edge. Marginal gains and all that. But fecking going down with cramp with 15 minutes left to play - in such a controlled and comfortable match -is borderline disgraceful. Wayne Rooney was the classic, genetically un-athletic footballer, who needed to play every week to be at his best. And he paid the price with an unusually brief career at the highest level. But I never once remember him getting cramp in normal time. That’s just unacceptable.

Feck knows what’s going on in his head. Maybe Shaw needs the carrot of regular first team football to even make the minimum effort required in training? Which is obviously a big problem but hey, yong and lernin, I guess...

Jesus @Pogue Mahone its fully understandable someone going down with cramp in this situation. It wouldn’t all be fitness but stress and the occasion would not have helped. But not that a big deal.

 

[breakout67]

Pretty interesting to hear someone that actually played with Rooney for years and years to call him out on his lifestyle - even if it was just in passing.
We all know about it, but I think that's the first time a former team mate/coach has said anything?

Nah mate, Rooney is just a genetic freak that does not follow the laws of thermodynamics. He just got out of shape by magic every pre season and it had nothing to do with his diet and fitness.

 

[SirAF]

Nah mate, Rooney is just a genetic freak that does not follow the laws of thermodynamics. He just got out of shape by magic every pre season and it had nothing to do with his diet and fitness.

 

[MadMike]

I think there is a +1 clause in his contract that has already been activated.

That is correct

 

[Pass and Move]

I was just happy to see a player hugging the touch line for us for once. Brings some much need space for our CMs to operate in and stretches the opposition defenders. I’ve been so frustrated at times this season when Martial, Rashford, Mata and Lingard all want to drift inside, leaving the flanks completely empty and the centre too congested.

 

[criticalanalysis]

Nah. Rooney always grafted right the way to the final whistle. You could never fault his effort. Admittedly he got a luxury that Shaw hasn’t got in managers who allowed himself get fit by playing matches every week but when you see the likes of Young come in from the cold and immediately look fit as a butcher’s dog it puts Shaw’s lack of effort away from the pitch into stark contrast. Especially disappointing when you think how many times he’s been reminded he’s not working hard enough on his fitness.

Anyhoo. He played well and got praised. Hopefully that finally lights a fire in his belly. He’s on his absolute last chance now, surely.

The younger Rooney yes, the latter years (after his multiple ankle injuries and us rushing him back) not really. Making sprints for goal efforts every 10 or so minutes is a bit different to covering wide runs and then making wide runs every other attack from the opposition.

The second bit you could be right though but like another poster has said, it could be to do with nerves, trying 'too hard' and as I said misplaced energy.

 

[yo@Kirk]

It looks like Shaw may have bought in and is now ready to prepare, train, and play as Mourinho wishes. Too know for sure, Shaw needs some matches. Mourinho said Shaw has earned more chances. Shaw should start once a week vs Bournemouth, Bristol City, Burnley, and Everton. When the January transfer window opens, there should be no doubt what Shaw's future is at United. If Shaw proves himself at left wingback, Young can move to right wingback.

 

[11101]

I was going to say something similar, you can tell a lot of people don’t understand the job of a Wingback and just keep comparing it to a FB. It’s not something that has been used all that much in this country so it’s easy to see why people are getting so confused.

I’m not sure I’d start Shaw on Sunday but yeah some of his runs getting back and Just escorting the player off the ball were magnificent. He’s for sure put himself right on Ashley’s shoulder with a performance like last night

Actually it was his job. Blind was already marking his player and Herrera had one of the two in front of him. Shaw was the spare man and he stood face on and let the guy run around the outside of him without even attempting to track him. He played well otherwise but that was a mistake on his part, no point trying to make excuses for it.

 

[AP88]

Actually it was his job. Blind was already marking his player and Herrera had one of the two in front of him. Shaw was the spare man and he stood face on and let the guy run around the outside of him without even attempting to track him. He played well otherwise but that was a mistake on his part, no point trying to make excuses for it.

Wing backs are by definition spare though; the wider central defenders are obligated with 'fullback' duties too. Blind had to be reactive and defend the ball and space, not dogmatically follow a man regardless of the transition in play. Shaw in a back 4 would have dealt with it differently.

 

[Andersons Dietician]

Wing backs are by definition spare though; the wider central defenders are obligated with 'fullback' duties too. Blind had to be reactive and defend the ball and space, not dogmatically follow a man regardless of the transition in play. Shaw in a back 4 would have dealt with it differently.

@11101 if you want to break down to the goal then it’s obviosly an error by Smalling not being in line with the rest of the defenders. Shaw clearly looks at the boy as he starts his run and Shaw half goes to react. It’s clear as day he is fully aware he is there. He just goes to let him run offside. Blind isn’t at fault there either it’s clearly Smalling for not being in line so that the offside trap is sprung.

However in general through out the game it’s supposed to be your LCB that covers that area with obviously help from the wingback. it’s different from a RB. People just aren’t familiar with the roles in that shape. You see people saying its reallyndefensive as well because they simply just don’t understand the role of the wingback when it’s done right.

Let’s not forget there were many interceptions from him, strong solid tackles, and two awesome runs back when play broke down that he just escorted the opposition off the ball. If that was Valencia people would be creaming their pants. Also two great passes to Mata that our other fullbacks/Wingbacks couldn’t even dream of.

 

[SwansonsTache]

Would love for him to turn it around. I had all but given up on him.

It remains to be seen if he is over his injury woes, we can't carry another Jones in our defence.

 

[Damien]

Decent half. Problem continues to be his end product but hopefully that'll improve. Seems more confident anyway.

 

[K2K]

Looks hungry at least.

Good on him.

 

[arthurka]

Good going forward, looks shaky defending..

 

[bosnian_red]

Looks good so far. Don't want to say it but he is still young and really could (and probably should) make that position his own, if he gets fully committed to getting fully fit and staying fully fit and committed to improving as much as possible. Would save us from needing to spend 50m on someone like Rose.

 

[Minimalist]

He's been alright. Nothing to write home about but it's good to see he's still an option.

 

[AR87]

He's been very good. Adds a dimension to our attack with his willingness to overlap. Also ran ahead of Martial a few times which forced a defender to go with him and allowed Martial to cut into the middle.

 

[Greck]

Our only FB who won't kill our buildup with backpasses every time he's required to use his left foot.

 

[breakout67]

Luke Shaw was one of the first to back Mourinho in the post-City bust up. Might have convinced Mourinho to give him a few extra games.

Hopefully he can improve and give us a genuine option at LB.

 

[redom]

Enjoyed that half from Shaw, linked up nicely a few times down that side and provides more natural width than Young or Darmian who always cut back.

 

[Paxi]

to be honest I fully expect him to go this summer. Just hope he plays well if he's in the team. otherwise I don't really pay attention to him anymore.

 

[Ban]

to be honest I fully expect him to go this summer. Just hope he plays well if he's in the team. otherwise I don't really pay attention to him anymore.

Strange post.

I expect him to stay and I hope that he'll stay.

 

[R'hllor]

The amount of minutes out of form Darmian got as LB... it just criminal, like Shaw would do any worse.

 

[Damien]

Luke Shaw was one of the first to back Mourinho in the post-City bust up. Might have convinced Mourinho to give him a few extra games.

Hopefully he can improve and give us a genuine option at LB.

Link?

to be honest I fully expect him to go this summer. Just hope he plays well if he's in the team. otherwise I don't really pay attention to him anymore.

I think most expect that to happen.