Sophia
Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has openly addressed the scathing criticism leveled against him by club legend Roy Keane, acknowledging the validity of the former captain’s remarks following a recent dip in form.
Keane’s Blistering Verdict
The controversy ignited after Manchester United’s defeat to rivals Manchester City, when Roy Keane, a pundit known for his uncompromising honesty, didn’t hold back. On Sky Sports, Keane declared, “I think Shaw has been getting away with murder for years at United. Always injured, never quite fit. We make excuses and then he gets a few games under his belt and then he’s making decisions like he doesn’t even want to tackle people.”
Keane, a seven-time Premier League champion, has a long-standing reputation for his candid analysis, especially concerning his former club. His comments sent ripples through the football community, prompting many to wonder how Shaw would react.
Shaw’s Candid Admission
Following United’s bounce-back 2-1 victory over Chelsea, Shaw directly addressed Keane’s remarks, demonstrating remarkable self-awareness and maturity. “Of course it hurts. He’s got a lot of experience. He was one of the best captains ever for Man Utd. Sometimes you just have to take it on the chin,” Shaw stated.
“I think criticism is part of being a football player. I listen to it. But for me, I think he was right. I think that last week, I wasn’t at my level at all,” he confessed, highlighting his commitment to self-improvement. “I don’t need Roy Keane to tell me. After the game, I knew that. The most important thing is knowing how good I can be. The manager knows that. I think the managers who I played with in the past know that. I’m always in the team and I’m always playing, so there must be something that the managers believe in.”
A Season of Resurgence and Challenges
This season, Shaw has been a consistent presence in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI, featuring in every Premier League game as a left-sided center-back within the 3-4-2-1 system. This consistent run of games is a welcome change for the English international, who has battled numerous injury setbacks in recent years. In the 2024-25 season, Shaw was limited to just seven league appearances and five in the Europa League.
Dramatic Victory Over Chelsea
The Red Devils’ second league victory of the season against Chelsea was far from straightforward. The match exploded into action when Robert Sánchez was sent off in the fifth minute for a reckless challenge outside the box. Despite the numerical advantage, United faced a resilient Chelsea side.
Goals from Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro gave United a comfortable lead in the first half. However, Casemiro’s dismissal for a second yellow card before the break leveled the playing field to ten men each. Trevoh Chalobah pulled one back for Chelsea in the second half, setting up a tense finish. Ultimately, Manchester United held on for a crucial home win, demonstrating their fighting spirit.
Looking Ahead
With this hard-fought victory under their belt, Manchester United will now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures. They are set to travel to face Brentford next weekend before hosting Sunderland ahead of the October international break. Shaw’s honest reflection and commitment to improvement will be vital as United navigate a challenging season.
