I think Shaw will be remembered fondly when he retires and finally get the appreciation he deserves from the football community. He has always been a class defender when he gets a couple of games in a row and lately he has been adding crosses to his game as well... Love this guy.
The Resurgence Of Shaw
- Thread starter Inigo Montoya
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yeah and LVG before that. This is a good read from Ole's presser last week. Definitely seems to be a mental thing with him and the "tough love" approach of Mourinho just didn't work with him.
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It's not a myth that AWB lacks technical quality - he does. Hopefully it's something that can be rectified over time, but I think it's likely that it will hold him back from ever becoming a top class fullback.
His defensive positioning is also poor (although his recovery pace and excellent tackling ability make up for that). That is something that can be worked on, though, and it should improve as he gains experience.
I expect he'll end up as a very good defensive player, but we perhaps need a little more than that from our fullbacks. Shaw is starting to look like the complete package.
I think Mourinho maybe only has 'one gear' when it comes to man management. You work hard for the team and follow his instructions precisely or you get chewed out in private (and sometimes in public) and eventually shunned altogether.
I don't get the impression that he deals well with more mercurial personalities - he'd rather have a dependable '7 out of 10' player than an unreliable one whose performance level ranges from superb to terrible. He clearly prefers strong characters who respond well to his more abrasive motivational techniques, as opposed to those in need of careful nurturing and an arm around the shoulder.
For all the talk of "hair dryers" and boots flying around the dressingroom, Sir Alex seems to have actually been a master of a more tailored style of man management. Many former players have said that he always knew just what to say in every situation and could switch between kindly uncle and disciplinarian father figure, almost at will, depending on who he was dealing with at any given moment. That's probably one of the reasons for his longevity and also why he'll always be a better manager than Jose.
Shaw is criminally underrated. I keep reading stories in the media and even in The Athletic whereby people seem to be baffled as to how we are doing so well - it’s because many of our players are much better than they are given credit for.
Shaw, Wan Bissaka, McTominay, Fred, Maguire, Bailly etc...I could go on and on really...they are all superb footballers, yet all the media and rival fans ever harp on about is the odd slight weakness in their games (i.e. Maguire pace or AWB crossing)
Ironically, the two players the media seem to love, Rashford and Fernandes, are probably slightly overrated by them - hence the “Utd rely on moments of brilliance” narrative
Long may it continue I say. Let us go under the radar, even when we are top!
Shaw, Wan Bissaka, McTominay, Fred, Maguire, Bailly etc...I could go on and on really...they are all superb footballers, yet all the media and rival fans ever harp on about is the odd slight weakness in their games (i.e. Maguire pace or AWB crossing)
Ironically, the two players the media seem to love, Rashford and Fernandes, are probably slightly overrated by them - hence the “Utd rely on moments of brilliance” narrative
Long may it continue I say. Let us go under the radar, even when we are top!
This is so true, he never gives the ball away, he always finds a way to keep possession. What a difference to when we had Young at left back, or actually especially at right back, he couldn't keep possession to save his life, always hoofing it into the rightside channel.
Luke must be the king of rondo in training.
Shaw's playing brilliantly at the moment and has done so the last couple of years.
Imagine if he still had his Bale-esque pace, he would be unstoppable. Yes, he's still very fast but that ridiculous acceleration (and top speed) he had pre leg break is gone, maybe understandably so.
No, I'm not basing this on Lukaku's crappy list, I'm using the eye test.
Imagine if he still had his Bale-esque pace, he would be unstoppable. Yes, he's still very fast but that ridiculous acceleration (and top speed) he had pre leg break is gone, maybe understandably so.
No, I'm not basing this on Lukaku's crappy list, I'm using the eye test.
They pay that sort of money the young man has to hit the ground running and have an impact.
He probably has come to England too early in his career and the speed and physicality of the Prenier league looks like a bit too much for him at the moment.
I think Chilwell will prove to be the better acquisition for Chelski.
He's literally a world class talent. Elite level athlete - the strength, pace, explosiveness. And his technique and the level of consistency he has with his ball control under pressure is just unreal. As another poster mentioned, the way he has taken one component of his game (set plays/crossing) and so drastically improved it in a short space of time shows an elite mentality and dedication as well, reminiscent of Rooney suddenly becoming a heading and free kick specialist.
If he can avoid injury this season, I predict it will be common for him to be seen as the best left back in football by the end of the season.
He was in the team of the season at 18 playing for Pochettino at Southampton. Van Gaal cherished him and he was our key player at 20 until the moment against PSV. He has been our player of the season at 23 under Ole. It was only the Toxic One who couldn't be bothered to manage him. Instead of building a player up and showing patience with someone who was in recovery from an injury that could have ended him, he instead saw it fit to publicly and unprofessionally criticise him. Disgraceful management.
I think the arrival of Telles and ole's management has spurred him on. Credit to him though.
That's a good one by Ole. Also Ole, Shaw both said signing Telles helped him to improve but somehow few here think it's nonsense.
Anyways Ole made a good point. Shaw knows he doesn't have to play all games so he can give everything in each game. He will get good enough rest, also pushing player to use trust and use his strengths. Shaw was always very good footballer with only weakness being the final ball. There is gradual improvement and this season we are seeing the best of Shaw.
His set pieces are very good and he looks more confident in final third.
He always had excellent first touch and good passing ability, very good ball carrier too. Hopey he will stay fit. We are so much better with him in the team.
Shaw has always been technically sound, good at carrying the ball, and with strong physical attributes. Was his crossing that was the issue, but seems to have improved.
Ole saying it let’s Shaw play at a higher intensity because he knows if he gets injured there is cover is not quite the same as saying because of Telles Shaws positioning, crossing, touch and that have Improved becuase Shaw has been able to learn off of Telles.
He won our player of the year in 2019, one of those "several years of shit form ".
And as an example of his good positioning, he has been pocketing Salah every time we play Liverpool.
I think you might need to look up the word charitable.
I don't know who said that, I remember few saying Telles has pushed Shaw and Shaw has responded well and somehow people thought it's full of shit. I mean who knew competition for places would push players to play at better level.
Maybe Shaw is full of shit too.
What people have been saying is Shaw has generally always been this good, people for whatever reason were just blind to it. People attributing their awakening to how good of a player he is due to the arrival of Telles to excuse their inability to see he was a great player is an entirely different matter.
As for what Shaw says about Telles, that’s stock footballer answer. what do people expect him to say? maybe it’s true and Shaw does Feel like Telles has helped him but ask a 100 footballers and 99% will probably reply with the same words.
Either way it works out for the team and it’s good Shaw is finally getting some praise. Surely if he picks up another injury soon that upsurge of positivity will subside and then people will be on his back again even if his performances are still of very good quality just not whipping in enough crosses for the good ol boys.
No he wasn't this good. His final third game has improved and that's what people are saying. His set pieces are class too.
He was always excellent footballer, with good first touch, passing and dribbling ability. He was criticized for not making enough runs, better final pass and fitness. He has improved in everything.
Ofcourse he will get criticism if he gets injured again. Availability for selection is very important attribute to have. You can't build a great team with players who aren't available most of the time.
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He’s been our best player recently which is credit for a left back especially how we play. I kind of feel he won’t put a foot wrong which is really reassuring.
I love how he relieves pressure by driving through the field if nothing is on.
A bit like Mctominay who I think is also underrated, he got very good technique, his decision making is starting to improve dramatically also. He’s a better passer than Fred. I’m starting to see a more composed Mctominay, he needs to keep improving.
I love how he relieves pressure by driving through the field if nothing is on.
A bit like Mctominay who I think is also underrated, he got very good technique, his decision making is starting to improve dramatically also. He’s a better passer than Fred. I’m starting to see a more composed Mctominay, he needs to keep improving.
So, he has shown signs of improvement for a couple of years at most. You really don’t have to get emotional about it. He spent the previous 4? years plodding around, overweight, oblivious to his position and duties at lb, or did you miss all that?
Glad he’s doing well. Don’t hate him.
Its Sunday tomorrow. Prove me wrong.
Has it really though or are people now just saying it’s improved because he is putting in more aerial crosses which is a byproduct of having a player like Cavani in there with Bruno and Pogba also proving to be a threat.
Generally speaking I’ve seen him play better than this and do better in the final 3rd. Now we maybe have players that suit his game more that will find his runs he has always made. Still think he is criminally underused by our forwards when he overlaps. Which I guess a lot don’t notice because they follow the ball.
As has always been said the one thing that could drastically improve is the intensity.Ole is pointing that out whilst also alluding to a reason as to why it’s been lacking. Me personally I still don’t think he attacks with Enough intensity when certain scenarios present themselves. Maybe it’s just part of his game, I’ve seen numerous players refer to him as the tiki taka master which I take it is in reference to a preference or ability to play in tight spaces and work triangles and patterns. Which is something we’ve always seen him be able to do. Plus he has always been good at passing in to the box although previously we just haven’t taken advantage of it.
He was also a better attacking threat after the first lockdown in my opinion. But feck what does it really matter, he’s playing well and most are enjoying it.
Not sure if posted already, but good article on Shaw in the MEN
https://www.manchestereveningnews.c...w-19665482.amp?__twitter_impression=true&s=08
Inagine your excuse for rocking up late to work being that your mum didn't wake you up!
https://www.manchestereveningnews.c...w-19665482.amp?__twitter_impression=true&s=08
Inagine your excuse for rocking up late to work being that your mum didn't wake you up!
Shaws biggest issue has always been himself.
Sounds like he’s finally grown up.
Sounds like he’s finally grown up.
He was always capable of good performances and had a good season in 2019. He always looked like a player with a very high ceiling but, through injury and patchy form at times, there was doubt about him reaching his potential.
Recently he has added consistency and has stayed mainly fit. Competition for his spot has probably helped lift his application. And his confidence is building.
I rate him very highly. But I think he still looks half a stone too heavy. Maybe another month or so of regular games will get rid of the surplus weight and add a smidge to his pace. By the run-in he could be really top drawer.
Recently he has added consistency and has stayed mainly fit. Competition for his spot has probably helped lift his application. And his confidence is building.
I rate him very highly. But I think he still looks half a stone too heavy. Maybe another month or so of regular games will get rid of the surplus weight and add a smidge to his pace. By the run-in he could be really top drawer.
I don't think he has been underrated. He is getting much praise now because he is playing better. I credit this to Ole's man management and new competition from Telles. Most players respond to competition for places with better play and Shaw is doing this. Martial, though, has shrunk with competition from Cavani.
It's not really competition though.Cavani has always been a CF while Martial is better roaming but yeah maybe he's a bit miffed
Wasn't Martial was our main CF throughout the restart and playing well? I just don't understand the young man and I can imagine he doesn't always put a good training session in. He probably goes through the motions just like he seems to do in most matches. I'm just thoroughly, like many, disappointed in him.
Steroids.
If he didn't train well,he'd be out.
Very good player. He’s always shown a glimpse of what he can really do. He was unfortunate with the injuries he’s had in the past. Mourinho also didn’t help with his horrible man management. Ole gave him confidence and Luke paid back.
Hilarious, isn't it? Revisionism at its best.
Guy's had one consistently good season in six-and-a-half years at the club, now he's in the middle of a five-week run of great form and the usual arguments are out: oh, he's always brilliant, maybe people who didn't see it before just weren't focusing on the right things!
Never mind that he just went an entire season without scoring or creating a goal, or even looking semi-competent in the attacking third until the last few games after the lockdown. There's a reason people were happy to see Williams playing when he first broke through.
This is hardly a great argument as to why your opinion should be given any weight. Dropping that is like shooting yourself in the balls. Especially when it was clear from the get go he wasn’t all that.
The Williams thing was like a bizarro world, we even had someone create an account just to keep telling us Shaw is shit and Brandon is the future.
It's not revisionism, it's just people not wanting to admit they were wrong.
Yeah, he had some good games in his first few weeks and then was shown to be clearly not good enough yet. Which isn't my point.
Shaw wasn't playing at anywhere near this level at that point last season, and it's not because you were the only person noticing his overlapping runs back then (:
Yeah it was because he was coming back from an injury but being Player of the year before probably meant nothing either.
He has always made runs that were ignored by his team mates even when he was clearly the best option.
Of course not. He was very good the year he got Player of the Year.
The entire problem is that he looks half the player when he's struggling with fitness, which is far too often. Doesn't get up and down the pitch nearly as much (he's literally the only United fullback of the last decade that's actually good when he gets to the byline... except he doesn't do it enough), wastes too much time on the ball (very late-era Valencia-like), and doesn't look as solid in defence either. He was a shambles in the first three games this season.
I want to see him play like he is now, or how he was post-lockdown until his injury last season, for longer than a dozen or so games before we start tossing around labels like world class, best left-back in the league (someone in this thread said world too, which I find mind-blowing)
He's been a class act on recent weeks. I remember just before the leg break he was unplayable too. If he stays fit he's going to play a big part in any success we may have this season.
The only people who thought a right footed, destined to play in league 1 Williams was a better pick than Shaw are people who don't have a clue about football.
Agreed. Was arguing with an old pal of mine, who didn't think he was anything special against Liverpool in the away game.
I said if you didn't think that was a top class performance from Shaw you will never think one is.
Some fans think their full backs have to have huge attacking output to be classed a top full back.