Luke Shaw makes bold claim on Ruben Amorim and Manchester United: ‘There are no stragglers anymore’
Manchester United are one of four clubs participating in the Premier League Summer Series in the United States as they prepare for the 2025-26 season—a campaign that will begin without European competition. Despite the club’s recent struggles, defender Luke Shaw made a bold statement about new manager Ruben Amorim and the current state of the squad: “There are no stragglers anymore.”
Since taking over in November, Amorim has overseen a major rebuilding effort at Old Trafford. With a clear vision for the future, the Portuguese coach has made tough decisions—sidelining some high-profile names, including Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and Jadon Sancho—as he looks to reshape the team culture.
Speaking to reporters after a training session in the U.S., Shaw highlighted what makes Amorim the right man for the job. “His mentality, his demands, he’s extremely tough on the group. He leaves no stone unturned,” he stated, addressing the coach’s work ethic.
The left-back then addressed how the team has evolved under Amorim’s leadership. “And I think there’s no stragglers in this group anymore. Everyone has to put the team first, and he’s made that very clear,” he stated. “He’s picking players on how he feels it’ll be best for the team, and that’s his choice, and us players are fully behind him, his ideas, and what he wants to implement in the team,” he added.
So far, the Red Devils are enjoying a productive preseason, notching two wins—a 2-1 victory over West Ham and a dominant 4-1 performance against Bournemouth. With one final tune-up against Everton on Sunday, United could go unbeaten on tour and outperform three teams that finished above them in the league last year.
“We feel like a real team, specially this preseason. Since I’ve been back, the group is so together, and that’s something that we need to keep to make us more of a family, and drive in the same direction,” concluded Shaw, setting expectations for the 25-26 season.
Premier League targeted after historic low
After finishing a disappointing 15th—the lowest league position in club history—and falling short in the Europa League final against Tottenham, Manchester United will not play in Europe during the 2024-25 campaign. Still, Shaw remains optimistic about what’s ahead.
When asked about the team’s goals, the veteran made no attempt to temper expectations: “The aim has to be to win the Premier League. I know people will be questioning me after last season, but it has to be that.”
Shaw emphasized that the ambition is shared throughout the squad and echoed by Amorim himself. “It’s not just me that thinks that, I’m sure the whole team if you ask them, they all have the same aims. Even the manager – I’m sure he probably wouldn’t say in the press – but we all need to have the same beliefs and ambitions, and that family sort of feeling together and you all strive for the same thing,” he concluded.