Gary Neville singled out Luke Shaw for fierce criticism following Manchester United's chastening 1-0 loss at home to Everton but bosses should have got rid of him a long time ago
Luke Shaw was singled out by Gary Neville during the defeat to Everton
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Gary Neville accused Luke Shaw of 'ambling' through Manchester United's crushing home defeat to Everton. But what he should have said was that Shaw has ambled through most of his United career. If there is a great survivor at Old Trafford - it has to be Shaw.
Not least because the defender has spent almost a dozen seasons at United since joining them from Southampton in 2014. But has made just 210 league appearances in that time. Which begs the question, what has Shaw actually done to justify outstaying his welcome in the red half of Manchester?
"You have Shaw, (Leny) Yoro and (Matthijs) De Ligt behind the ball. Shaw is getting forward more, but he's ambling forward, let's be clear, " raged Neville.
"He's been bugging me for the last 20 minutes. He's ambling, you can't do that. He should be running forward every single time, I don't care. Yoro, I have a little bit more sympathy for.
"But Shaw? That's a waste of time. I don't care. It's a waste of time. It's not conning anybody. I'm not having it."
Neville could have picked on any one of United's side for criticism during the Monday night madness. Joshua Zirkzee, Yoro, Patrick Dorgu or Casemiro would have been top of my list. The worst of a very bad bunch.
But the fact Neville targeted Shaw is relevant, because the left back sums up the era of mediocrity United have been stuck in this past decade.
Luke Shaw
Shaw is Manchester United's great survivor
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Ruben Amorim is Shaw's ninth different manager at United. And he has fallen into the same trap most of his predecessors did - he thinks Shaw can contribute something significant to the team.
Shaw has had his problems at United. He's had serious injuries, loss of form and serious criticism from various managers. But all of the above hasn't prevented him from picking up new contracts along the way. Erik ten Hag gave him his last one, back in 2023. One which will keep Shaw in the manner in which he has become accustomed at Old Trafford until June 2027, the cusp of his 32nd birthday.
United bosses have been guilty of this countless times with numerous stars.
Gifting them deals which catapult them into the comfort zone of being able to pocket huge wages, in return for cruising through towards the end of their careers.
Shaw should do more, granted. But if Neville wants someone to blame for the malaise which has engulfed United down the years, he should be looking at his former club.
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