Luke Shaw was destined for great things ever since he burst onto the scene at Southampton in 2011. He was one of the more successful Louis Van Gaal signings in 2014 and became a mainstay on the Manchester United side in his first season at Old Trafford.
Unfortunately, due to Shaw’s double leg fracture in 2015 and Jose Mourinho’s subsequent lack of confidence in him, the left-back star faded from the spotlight for a while. However, now he’s back with a bang and ready to cement his status as one of the best in the Premier League in his position.
Shaw Buoyed by an Impressive Euro 2020 Campaign
After an impressive 2020-21 campaign with Manchester United, Shaw reclaimed his place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad after having spent some years away from the national side. He then managed to wrestle a starting berth in the Euro 2020 finals team from the in-form Champions League winner, Ben Chilwell. Not only that, but the United star was one of the key players for the Three Lions, racking up a goal and three assists across six appearances.
Shaw showed his attacking prowess to the world in the competition and indicated that he was ready to build on it for his club in the season ahead. It should come as no surprise that the player has been selected by nearly half of all fantasy managers in the official Fantasy Premier League game. This highlights how many people believe the 26-year-old can continue his red-hot streak. For United last term, Shaw managed a goal and five assists in 2653 minutes. If he can bring his Euro 2020 form back to Manchester, he could easily double that this time out.
Shaw’s potential definitely shines through in the commentary from pundits and punters, alike. Already, the Red Devils are heavily favoured in the Oddschecker football betting markets at 8/15 odds to beat Leeds United in their season opener. Marcelo Bielsa’s side loves to attack down the flanks, and the bookies believed that Shaw would be able to exploit the space left behind.
Could Link up Well With Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho is a Manchester United player 🔴
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 23, 2021
Another reason why United fans should get excited about Shaw’s potential this year is down to the fact that he will have a new partner on the flanks. Jadon Sancho is capable of operating down the right or left, but it’s expected that he will play in the latter position, at least to begin with, due to the absence of Marcus Rashford while he undergoes surgery and subsequent recovery for his shoulder injury.
Although traditionally a wide midfielder, Sancho has a penchant to drift inside and take on shots. When he does this, he’ll drag defenders out of position, leaving space for Shaw to occupy down the flank. This overlapping play could allow the left-back to whip in even more crosses than he usually supplies. He may even be afforded enough room to fire off similar shots to his early goal in the Euro 2020 final against Italy. There’s no doubt that these two will terrorise the opposition’s defences in the season ahead.
Shaw has often been talked about as being able to become one of the greatest in the world. However, he has yet to fulfil his potential. Now could finally be the time for the 26-year-old to take his game to the next level and help United on a title charge.
