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Man Utd defender Luke Shaw has revealed a key insight into Erik ten Hag’s philosophy at the club, with the manager constantly demanding 100% from every player.
The Red Devils full-back noted that the boss sets extremely high standards at Old Trafford, with players removed from the starting XI if they do not meet such standards.
Shaw has been a firm favourite under the manager since he took over, with the England international shining at left-back and indeed centre-back throughout the season.
Man Utd ace reveals ‘100%’ Ten Hag insight
It was at centre-back where Shaw most recently lined out, partnering with Victor Lindelof centrally in the club’s FA Cup semi-final meeting with Brighton on Sunday.
And he played a key role as the Red Devils kept a clean sheet in 90 minutes and in extra time, with Man Utd going on to win on penalties.
His position change came amid the absences of injured duo Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane and the suspended Harry Maguire.
Shaw is certain to start in the final against fierce rivals Man City, with the match representing the first-ever FA Cup final between the two Manchester clubs. But the defender knows he must still work hard on the training ground in order to continue impressing Ten Hag.
“As players we can never take anything for granted,” said Shaw, as quoted by LiveScore. “Every day with this manager you have to be 100 per cent at it in training; around the place because he sets high standards.
“If you don’t meet them, you don’t play no matter what the circumstances are – whether there’s injuries, suspensions, it does not matter.
“So, for me, I don’t take it for granted. Still, the back end of the season is the most important – that’s when you win stuff, and we want to win this trophy so we have to give it everything.”
Shaw praises Man Utd duo
Shaw hasn’t always been a regular for Man Utd, with the defender struggling under certain managers over the years. But his experience on the pitch has been a key reason behind the club’s success this season, with the Red Devils already lifting the League Cup.
The left-back has also lifted the Europa League with Man Utd, and at 27 is now one of the club’s senior players. Along with his displays on the pitch, the defender is also helping those younger than him thrive at the club.
He has expressed his delight at the successful penalties from teammates Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho against Brighton, with both attackers scoring from the spot against the Seagulls at Wembley.
Their goals come after they both suffered abuse following their missed penalties in England’s shoot-out loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, which also took place at Wembley.
“I was next to Jadon,” added Shaw. “I said, ‘Whatever happens happens, just be confident. It’s part of football, things happen, these things happen.’
“I think maybe what was playing on their minds are the things that come with it, the racism and stuff that they experienced last time.”
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