Erik ten Hag has spoken out on his decision to hand Luke Shaw a new Manchester United contract.
Luke Shaw‘s new deal was formally announced this week with the defender signing a deal which will run until 2027.
Shaw became the first Red Devils player to sign a long-term extension under new manager Erik ten Hag.
The manager was predictably quizzed about the deal in his press conference ahead of the Brentford game.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023
Ten Hag explains Shaw deal
Erik ten Hag was asked about the message it sends to hand Shaw an extended deal. He gave an explanation that he feels the defender has really earned it.
He told club media: “I think it’s a good message. An England international, he’s doing really well this season, I’m really happy with him.
“I think he is a modern left full-back but can also play in other positions like left centre-back, so he matches absolutely the standards we want to have. So it’s a very good message.”
Shaw has been a revelation in the early part of 2023 in the centre-back position when he has been called upon.
Ten Hag picked him to start in the role in the Manchester derby, and away at Barcelona in the Europa League. That was a real vote of confidence, with Shaw preferred to Harry Maguire in both matches.
Shaw has been at Manchester United since his 2014 move from Southampton. Injury has restricted his career to only 249 Red Devils appearances, but he can continue to rack those up between now and 2027.
This season he has been given extra competition from summer signing Tyrell Malacia, and has come through it still as a regular, for yet another new manager.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
