Luke Shaw broke into the Southampton first-team at the age of 16. At the age of 18, he moved to Manchester United for £30 million. Since then, a combination of long-term injuries and a failure to impress Jose Mourinho has resulted in limited game time. Last season, Manchester United were craving a natural left-sided player; its time for Jose Mourinho to take note.
Background
Back in March, Luke Shaw was hauled off at half-time by Jose Mourinho during their home win over Brighton. Before the Everton clash in April, Jose Mourinho commented I cannot compare the way he trains, the way he commits, the focus, the ambition. I cannot compare.
Dropped for the World Cup, with Gareth Southgate preferring his club teammate Ashley Young. With only a year left of his contract, it looked like Luke Shaws career was over. However, a Man of the Match performance and his first senior goal against Leicester has given him hope.
Even though Ashley Young has an impressive season, its time for Luke Shaw to fulfill his potential. What can he add to Jose Mourinhos team?
Position
Jose Mourinho hailed Luke Shaws performance as the complete performance against Leicester. Can he use this as a springboard, so that Jose Mourinho can no longer ignore him?
As a natural left-sided player, Luke Shaw gives Manchester United width in the attacking third. He is given licence to push forward and rather than an Ashley Young who would cut back inside, he can attack on the outside of the opposition full back.
This is evident in Luke Shaws first professional goal and Manchester Uniteds second of the evening.
Luke Shaws forward run has stretched Leicester Citys narrow defensive unit. As the ball is played across the midfield into Luke Shaws path, he is able to take it first time on his left side. He then lifts it over the oncoming defender before slotting home. His attacking run has also taken 7 Leicester City players out of the game, who were focused on the central defensive block.
The most important thing is that a right-footed left-back would have cut back inside to shoot. Luke Shaw offers another attacking option to Manchester United and can open the play up in the attacking third.
This will be important against the teams lower down in the division. Manchester
