Scott McTominay has left some words of encouragement for a Manchester United defender who has found himself facing some heavy criticism throughout the season so far.
Manchester United claimed a battling 2–1 victory over Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, as Rúben Amorim’s side secured a valuable three points at Anfield.
United made a dream start, taking the lead inside two minutes when Bryan Mbeumo finished confidently from a tight angle after being played through by Amad. The visitors continued to pose a threat, and Bruno Fernandes came close to doubling the advantage but was unable to convert a clear chance.
Amorim’s side reached half-time with a slender lead, though Liverpool began the second half with renewed intent. Cody Gakpo struck the post shortly after the restart, underlining the hosts’ growing pressure. Just after the hour mark, Amorim turned to his bench, introducing Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, and Benjamin Šeško to freshen up the side.
Liverpool eventually found an equaliser when Gakpo scored from close range with just over ten minutes remaining. However, United regained the lead almost immediately as Harry Maguire rose highest to head home.
Arne Slot’s men continued to push in search of another equaliser, but United’s defence held strong to secure their first win at Anfield since January 2016.
Luke Shaw receives his plaudits
Following United’s crucial win at Anfield, former United Academy graduate Scott McTominay left a brilliant three-word message for Luke Shaw after the defender’s top-class performance against Liverpool.
Under Shaw’s post, McTominay could be seen to comment, ‘What a player 💪🏼’, amongst a sea of outpouring support for the United defender’s performance at Anfield.
Matheus Cunha, to name one, could also be seen to leave a comment saying ‘Lov u you know ❤️’, following being featured in an image celebrating Shaw in the post.
The outpouring of love and appreciation for Shaw in this post further acts as an example of how Amorim has been able to bring this group of players together in a positive environment that was mentioned prior to the season’s start by new signing Mbeumo, who also found himself on the score sheet for Sunday’s fixture.
Shaw performing in the face of criticism
Luke Shaw hasn’t exactly had the smoothest start to the season this year, with him being seen to have been struggling at times whilst being deployed in the left centre-back role that Amorim’s system requires.
In particular, following the Reds’ 3-0 defeat at the Etihad at the hands of the ‘noisy neighbours’ Manchester City, Shaw struggled in the game and was consequently grilled by former United captain Roy Keane.
When talking about Shaw, the United legend said that he had been “getting away with everything,” with Shaw admitting that it wasn’t his best game, stating that “it hurts”.
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In the face of all that criticism, the England international has been able to kickstart his season following his impressive display against Liverpool, as well as a number of other promising performances against Chelsea and Sunderland.
The 30-year-old has always faced criticism throughout his career at United as a result of the defender’s constant battles with injuries that have kept him out for hundreds of games and led to a growing frustration with the player amongst the United fanbase.
So, in order to help build on his recent performances, Shaw will need to battle to keep himself fit for the remainder of the current season, as he is now slowly becoming a vital cog in Amorim’s system that potentially could be starting to come together, with the Reds now only sitting two points off the top four.
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