Despite arriving at Manchester United at the start of the 2014 season, Luke Shaw has managed just 47 first-team appearances for the club in all competitions. He has been troubled by injuries during his time here, so much so that he has still played more games for Southampton than he has for us. However, this may all be about to change as Shaw is back fully fit and Jose Mourinho is rotating at the left-back position.
Luke Shaw signed a one-year extension to his contract at the beginning of September, determined to finally break into the starting XI. He has since been playing with the under-23s to build fitness, but is almost ready for a regular spot in the first team. The door is certainly open for him to impress after we failed to sign the left-back we needed in the summer. Should Shaw perform to his potential then the starting place could be his.
Since his £27 million move in 2014, pressure has been on Shaw to deliver the goods for United. However, injuries have prevented him from having a fair shot at making the team and that has left many people disappointed in him. Despite not having many fair opportunities, this could be his last chance at Old Trafford, although the odds look good for him with little competition for the spot.
It is no secret that Jose wanted a left-back this past summer, with Danny Rose being strongly linked on more than one occasion. He wasn’t pursued in the end, which has left us short and if we are to compete for the Premier League title, someone has to step up and plug the gap in the squad.
Manchester United are currently second favourites in the latest Premier League odds, behind their local rivals Manchester City. Both clubs have many things in common and one of them is a need to shore up part of their defence. That could be what decides where the title heads this season, so the integration of Shaw back into the first team is vital for our title bid.
With a settled left-back in the team, we would potentially look strong all over the pitch, with enough defensive players to stop even the most potent of attacks in the Premier League.
The next chapter of Luke Shaw’s career looks ready to begin. He is sure to be given a chance in the first team and with little competition he could be the full time left-back we need.
After an unfortunate injury period for him, being fit and getting games under his belt are key for Shaw. If he can build on the work he has done with the under-23s then he may finally have his chance to become a permanent fixture in the Manchester United back four.
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