"It was really tough": Man United star opens up frustrating spell and makes bold Premier League claim ahead of next season

Luke Shaw has admitted he felt like he was letting Manchester United down during a frustrating, injury-hit season that saw him miss a huge chunk of action.

After sitting out 46 matches due to recurring muscle problems, the defender revealed just how mentally draining the experience was.

Speaking during United’s pre-season tour in the United States, Shaw opened up on what he described as the most difficult period of his career.

“It’s something I’ve not experienced,” he said (via The Athletic). “I know I’ve had a lot of injuries, but it was more mentally how tough it was. It was really tough. I won’t go too much into that.

“I think last season was one to forget. I’ve had injuries in the past, but last season it was different kind of injuries. It was horrible.”

Shaw picked up the initial knock last summer and didn’t return until November, just as new boss Ruben Amorim arrived.

Three substitute appearances followed before another injury setback, sidelining him until mid-April. In an attempt to speed up recovery, he even spent time in Doha with the club’s support.

He made nine more appearances, including starting in the Europa League final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, and now says he feels fully fit and happy again.

Throughout this difficult time, Shaw said Amorim played a key role in helping him stay positive. 

Amorim called Shaw “world-class” during a press conference ahead of the Premier League Summer Series friendly against West Ham United, which came as a massive boost to the 30-year-old.

“It was quite unexpected,” Shaw said when asked how he felt about Amorim’s remarks. 

“It’s really nice to hear that, especially from the manager. He’s been really good with me. He understands the problems I had last season. It was really tough.”

Last season, Amorim played Shaw primarily as a left-sided centre-back rather than as a wing-back in his 3-4-2-1 system. But the England international has embraced the role.

“I really like this formation,” Shaw said. “I’ve spoken a lot about left-centre back or left-wing back, just in general, with a lot of people asking me the same question. Not too much with the manager, to be fair.

“I don’t mind wherever the manager wants me to play. I’m happy to play anywhere. I think at the moment, I’ve been playing left-centre this pre-season, so we’ll have to see if that carries on.”

Shaw has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia this summer, but he remains fully focused on the new season and has even backed the Red Devils to win the Premier League.

“Of course, our aim for the season is – after last season, it might sound a bit ridiculous – but we want to be winning the Premier League,” he said. 

“We should have those ambitions. Not just me individually, but the whole team. We all have to have the same ambitions and all push for that.”

Article written by onyekachiuwanabi .