Why Manchester United are right in handing Luke Shaw a new deal
Manchester United defender Luke Shaw is close to agreeing on a new deal with the club, according to BBC.
The England international, 23, is out of contract at the end of the season but could cap a sensational turnaround in his fortunes at Old Trafford by signing a new five-year contract.
Manchester United finally stopped the rot with a dramatic comeback 3-2 victory over Newcastle United last weekend, having endured a wretched start to a season that has put Jose Mourinho under immense pressure. Luke Shaw has been one of the very few standout performers in a largely underwhelming campaign so far.
It appeared Shaw’s United career would end following harsh criticism from Mourinho last campaign but credits to the 23-year-old for massively improving himself this season and putting in consistent performances at left-back.
Shaw’s performances this term have improved to such an extent that he has successfully managed to displace Ashley Young as the club’s primary left-back.
The youngster signed for United from Southampton in 2014 for £27m after representing England at the World Cup in 2014. However, the left-back’s lively start to the following season under Louis van Gaal was ruined by a double fracture against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.
After struggling for form and fitness over the past couple of years, the England international looks like he is finally back to his marauding best this season.
The flying left-back is now one of the first names on the team sheet, which is a no mean feat given the injury problems and the criticism he had to go through in the last couple of years. Shaw started the season in fine form, scoring in United’s opening day 2-1 victory over Leicester City.
The 23-year-old’s dazzling displays saw him be named as United’s Player of the Month for August and also earn a recall to the national team.
In two of United’s forgettable days against Brighton and Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur, Shaw was one of the very few to emerge with any credit. He has by far been United’s most consistent performer this campaign and deserves to start week in and week out.
Truth be told, the Red Devils had a massive left-back problem last season but that problem no longer exists only due to Shaw’s renaissance.
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Without a shadow of a doubt, this is Shaw’s best spell of form in three years and he deserves a lot of praise. Therefore, the Red Devils are absolutely right in securing the left-back’s future.