Manchester United will resume their Premier League campaign at home to Everton on Monday.
Luke Shaw (centre) celebrates with the Manchester United fans after beating Liverpool at Anfield(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Earlier this month, Manchester United fans were left scratching their heads as one of their best players this season was snubbed again.
Luke Shaw endured a tough start to the season, following on from a campaign ruined by injuries. The 2024/25 season did not go according to plan for anyone in red, but Shaw in particular was being doubted after another season spent mainly on the sidelines.
However, full credit must go to Shaw for the manner in which he has bounced back.
Following the disaster at Manchester City, Shaw has been dependable for the Reds this campaign in a back three. He had to deal with plenty of criticism following that derby day defeat – notably from Roy Keane – and after addressing it, he set about making amends.
Ever since that game, Shaw has got better and better for United and you can see him settling into his new role on the left side of defence. That’s why it was surprising when England head coach Thomas Tuchel overlooked him for the final World Cup qualifiers this month.
Luke Shaw celebrates scoring for England in the Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy at Wembley Stadium
While being overlooked for selection will have been a blow to Shaw, Ruben Amorim will have taken the positives from the decision. He admitted himself, from a selfish perspective, he wanted all his players to be training and recovering at United during the international break. But he would still be delighted to see Shaw competing with England.
“For me, I want him to go to the national team, but I also want Luke Shaw to train with me, recover with me, and be prepared for my game, so I’m a little bit selfish on that, so if he’s not going to the national team, for me it’s fine, because I can control better what he’s doing,” Amorim said earlier this season.
While missing out on the November camp was a big blow for Shaw, Tuchel has admitted it is not necessarily the end of his World Cup dream. “First of all, it’s my job now to make contact with everyone,” the England head coach said at the end of the Three Lions’ final international break this year.
“Players like Trent [Alexander-Arnold], players that are on our long list, 55, 60 players, to reach out to them, be in touch with them, explain to them why they were not here. Explain to them what they have to do, where they can improve.
“Can they even do something or is it just a choice, so this is my job in the next weeks and months.”
Shaw and Harry Maguire will be on Tuchel’s list of 55-60 players who he is in contact with to discuss their spots in the England squad.
That phone call should work to United’s benefit. Shaw will know exactly what he needs to do over the next few months to put himself in contention and that can only help United.
Shaw will be eager to show Tuchel that he was wrong to overlook him. The best way to do that will be to impress for Amorim and the Reds.
