Luke Shaw was on the receiving end of harsh words from Gary Neville this week, but the Manchester United defender responded perfectly in the win at Crystal Palace
Luke Shaw warming up for a Manchester United match
Luke Shaw impressed for Manchester United against Crystal Palace on Sunday
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Luke Shaw has responded to Gary Neville's scathing criticism of his recent performances with a strong showing in Manchester United's win at Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The Red Devils bounced back to form on Sunday afternoon, staging a thrilling comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over Palace at Selhurst Park. Despite falling behind to a first-half penalty netted by Jean-Philippe Mateta, second-half goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount clinched a vital three points for Ruben Amorim's men.
The win was a much-needed boost following a disappointing streak of three matches without success for United. Recent draws at Tottenham and Nottingham Forest were followed by a disheartening 1-0 defeat to a 10-man Everton side on Monday night.
During the loss to the Toffees, pundit Neville didn't mince his words when criticising Shaw. "You have Shaw, [Leny] Yoro and [Matthijs] De Ligt behind the ball," the ex-United defender remarked during co-commentary.
"Shaw is getting forward more, but he's ambling forward, let's be clear. 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."
Manchester United defender Luke Shaw
Manchester United defender Luke Shaw impressed against Crystal Palace
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Shaw put on a solid performance against Palace this weekend, playing a pivotal role in United's victory and ensuring the scoreline wasn't more severe at half-time with his crucial blocks against opposition forwards.
During his 82-minute stint on the pitch, Shaw made three interceptions, three clearances, blocked one shot and managed three recoveries. He also won half of the ground and aerial duels he contested.
With less than ten minutes remaining, Shaw was substituted for Lisandro Martinez, who made a much-anticipated return from an ACL injury that had kept him off the pitch since February.
The result leaves United just shy of the Champions League spots in seventh place, but only a point behind the top four. They're back in action midweek when West Ham visit Old Trafford, followed by matches against Wolves, Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Newcastle.
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