Denis Irwin believes that Luke Shaw needs a consistent run in the side to show what he’s capable of and that, despite a stop-start season, he has the potential to become a key player of Louis Van Gaal’s side.
Shaw excelled at Chelsea on Saturday, in what was only his 13th league start of the season and his first appearance since 9 March and the former United left-back believes the youngster will prove he was worth the £27m United paid for him.
“Luke Shaw has had a stop-start season because he’s had a lot of injuries,” Irwin told United’s official website.
“I think he just needs a run of games to get up and running. Shaw’s got competition for his place now but he knew that would be the case anyway when he came here.
“He’s got a challenge in front of him but he’s only a young lad. And while he’s not had the season he would have liked because of those injuries, he’ll still learn an awful lot.”
The England international has so far endured a difficult start to his Manchester United career, but Irwin believes the former Southampton man will go on to establish himself as a regular in the side for years to come.
“He’s had an unbelievable two years. He broke into Southampton’s side at a really young age, played particularly well to get into the England squad and then played in the World Cup in Brazil,” said the Irishman.
“So it’s been a whirlwind and he needs to gather his thoughts and go again.
“There’s no doubt he’s a tremendous player – a pacey, modern full-back who likes to attack. I think he’ll be here for many years to come.”

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