Luke Shaw season review: The player he was supposed to become

Manchester United star Luke Shaw’s campaign saw him win the Players’ Player of the Year Award.

This shows how highly valued he is by his teammates and his season ended with a call into the England squad.

In the latest in our season review series, we take a look back at what went right for Shaw in 2020/21…

What was his situation heading into the season?

2019/20 ended in a frustrating manner for Shaw. He was playing good football before he was injured against Southampton and went on to miss the FA Cup and Europa League finals.

It underlined how his fitness issues contributed to a lack of reliability. Shaw starting only 20 of 38 Premier League games, prompting United to look at signing a new left-back.

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How did 2020/21 go?

The season began pretty terribly for Shaw. He was caught out in United’s opener as Crystal Palace took the lead from a move down his side. And then in the 6-1 loss to Tottenham he was absolutely terrible.

It seemed just as well Alex Telles was coming in to replace him, but Shaw had different ideas.

Shaw responded to the challenge of Telles by improving his game, working on his own set pieces too.

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By time we reached mid-November it was clear Shaw had retained his place as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first choice left-back despite Telles’ arrival. This served to boost his own confidence.

Shaw managed to stay fit all season long. He started 30 league games and being rotated out for the others, making 47 appearances in all competitions.

His attacking improvement was noticeable, Shaw provided a career best six assists and also scored once. The previous season he had only one assist.

In the league Shaw provided an average of 2.3 key passes per game. When he was missing, it was noticeable, with United lacking the drive he gave to the team down the left side.

This was the Luke Shaw who United fans had been waiting for. It took seven years, but it was worth the wait.

Manchester City v Manchester United - Premier League — Photo by Dave Thompson – Pool/Getty Images

Season highlight?

Shaw’s season highlight was his goal in the 2-0 win against Manchester City. It came from a move he began, and was reward for his attacking intent.

There were other good moments too. His 45 minutes in the 9-0 win over Southampton saw him provide two assists, and he was taken off simply to rest him. If he had stayed on, United may have hit double figures.

Another notable point was his cross for Anthony Martial’s goal in the Champions League defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir. It was his first assist of the season and lifted his confidence when he needed it after Telles’ arrival.

Shaw also deserves credit for his role in a back three as United won 2-1 at PSG.

One of his best individual games came in the 3-1 home win against Burnley. This game saw him create six chances in one match.

Staying fit all season was also a big plus, and he was rewarded with an overdue England recall.

Season lowpoint?

The early part of the season was the lowpoint for Shaw. Unlike his teammates who did not have much rest, he should have been fresh after missing the end of 2019/20. Instead he came out flat.

United supporters were ready for Alex Telles to come in and replace him. Fortunately Shaw did not shrink and used the criticism and extra pressure to drive him to new heights.

An over-elaboration which saw him lose the ball for a goal in the late season defeat to Liverpool was a reminder to him not to get over-confident.

What were the standout numbers?

Shaw provided six assists and was unfortunate this figure was not a lot higher.

This was a personal best as he had only 10 assists over his whole career before this season.

He created more chances per game (2.3) than Trent Alexander-Arnold (2.1). Only four Premier League players managed more – one of who was Bruno Fernandes (2.6).

Manchester United v Southampton - Premier League — Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

Next step in 2021/22?

Shaw’s season is not yet over as he is with England for Euro 2020. He will want to carry on his outstanding form at international level.

The challenge beyond that is to simply continue his momentum from 2020/21.

There will be a renewed challenge from Alex Telles, who may play a more prominent role at the start of the season as he will be fresh after Shaw’s Euro role. This can benefit Shaw and he should not push himself early.

It is important he stays fit all season again and shows this past season was no fluke. A great aim would be to reach double figures for assists. If he carries on playing the way he has, it is very possible.

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