Manchester United icon Denis Irwin has publicly praised Luke Shaw, offering a staunch defence of the defender following stinging criticism from fellow club legend Gary Neville.
Neville's Frustration Boils Over
The controversy stems from United's 1-0 defeat to Everton last month, a match where the Red Devils played with a man advantage for most of the game after an early red card for Idrissa Gueye. Watching from the Sky Sports commentary booth, former captain Gary Neville was incensed by Shaw's perceived lack of urgency.
Neville specifically targeted Shaw's movement, labelling it as 'ambling' and a 'waste of time'. He argued that with United chasing the game and having an extra player, Shaw should have been aggressively pushing forward from his defensive position. 'You should be running forward every single time, I don't care,' Neville fumed during the broadcast, adding, 'He's been bugging me for the last 20 minutes.'
Irwin's Emphatic Defence of Shaw
In a contrasting view, Denis Irwin, who won seven Premier League titles and the Champions League with United, has leapt to Shaw's support. Speaking on the Inside Carrington podcast, Irwin highlighted the 30-year-old's importance and current form.
'He has been blighted with injuries, Luke, but I've got to say every manager, when he is fit, has picked him,' Irwin stated. He pointed out that Shaw has started every Premier League game this season under manager Ruben Amorim, a clear sign of the manager's faith.
Irwin believes Shaw is excelling in a left-sided centre-back role in a back three, a position he feels suits the England international. 'He was brilliant [against Crystal Palace] and his recovery in a couple of tackles was needed,' Irwin said, adding, 'He has been fantastic for us this season.'
Amorim's Long-Standing Faith
The public support from Irwin echoes the confidence manager Ruben Amorim has consistently shown in Shaw. At the start of the season, after two injury-hit campaigns, Amorim was quick to label Shaw a 'world-class player' and confirm he was central to his plans.
'You can feel it in the small things; when he touches the ball, the ability to play one against one,' Amorim said. The Portuguese coach did, however, note the crucial caveat: 'But he needs to be fit.' Shaw's fitness has been key this term, with his 13 top-flight appearances already surpassing his totals from either of the previous two seasons.
This defence from a club legend and the manager's unwavering backing presents a compelling counter-narrative to the high-profile criticism, highlighting the ongoing debate about Shaw's role and contribution in Amorim's evolving Manchester United side.
