Luke Shaw made his 300th appearance for Manchester United against Crystal Palace and he is emerging as a leader on and off the pitch.
The 30-year-old defender is currently Manchester United’s longest-serving player, and Luke Shaw is embracing his role as a senior player in the dressing room.
This season, Shaw has made 13 appearances – already one more than he made in the entirety of the 2024/25 campaign.
He has settled into a spot as the left-sided centre-back in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation. Despite Shaw being heavily criticised in the defeat against Everton, he bounced back with an impressive showing at Selhurst Park.
It is too early to say that Shaw is returning to his best at United, but there are certainly promising signs behind the scenes.
Luke Shaw looks on following the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford in 2025 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Luke Shaw is becoming a role model at Carrington
While Shaw is not part of Amorim’s six-man leadership group at United, he is still a senior and experienced member of the dressing room.
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According to The Athletic, Shaw has “stepped up” his off-the-pitch work rate this season.
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The defender is credited with doing extra preparation work and coming in to train at Carrington on his days off.
He is described as a good-mannered member of the squad, and it is pointed out that Shaw and Cunha have become close since the Brazilian’s move to Old Trafford.
Amorim has spoken frequently about United needing to up their standards, including players being punctual and committed between matches.
Luke Shaw is overcoming injury issues
Shaw has been plagued with injuries and setbacks over his 12 years as a United player, including that terrible double leg break suffered in 2015.
Shaw’s injury record makes for bleak reading, but he is showing huge signs of improvement this season.
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Lisandro Martinez in the gym
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
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READ MORE: Major Luke Shaw prediction is made after Man Utd star is named in BBC’s Premier League Team of the Week
With Lisandro Martinez now back from his ACL injury, Amorim has two world-class talents competing for a starting spot on the left of the defence.
Shaw will also be fighting to get into the 2026 World Cup squad with England, with only a few months left to impress manager Thomas Tuchel.
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