Luke Shaw has broken his silence after Roy Keane’s brutal assessment of his Manchester derby performance, admitting the remarks hurt but also conceding they were completely justified and well-founded today.
Shaw Takes Keane’s Words On Board
The Manchester United defender endured a nightmare in last week’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, where Keane accused him of “getting away with murder” and “stealing a living.” Former United captain also argued Shaw did not want to tackle, prompting the debate around his long-term consistency.
After United’s 2-1 win over Chelsea, Shaw didn’t back down from the negativity. “Of course it hurts. Roy Keane’s got a lot of experience. He was one of the best captains Man United ever had. You have to take criticism as a football player. I think he was right. Last week, I wasn’t at my level at all — I don’t need Roy Keane to tell me that,” he admitted.
Focus on Consistency and Manager’s Faith
Shaw has struggled with injury problems since joining United in 2014, but manager Ruben Amorim still believes by consistently deploying him as a starter. That backing, Shaw insists, is vital. “The manager knows how good I can be. I’m always in the team and always playing, so there must be something managers believe in,” he said.
At 30, Shaw knows his margin for error is shrinking. “I’m not getting any younger and I need to be consistent. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs but now it’s about keeping that consistency at a high level,” he added.
Author’s Opinion
Luke Shaw deserves commendation for acknowledging his imperfections and not pawning off criticism. His honesty and willingness to learn refreshing to hear, but the proof will be in the pudding over a season. If Keane delivers, his condemnation may become a catalyst instead of a curse.
