Aheed Abrar
Luke Shaw reveals Erik ten Hag does not hesitate to drop underperforming players from the Manchester United starting XI
Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw admires that the new gaffer, Erik ten Hag, drops underperforming players from the starting XI. The England international feels the Dutch manager does not hesitate axing players, unlike previous managers.
Shaw has himself been on the receiving end of Ten Hag’s policy. The 27-year-old had a period on the bench when he faltered and Tyrell Malacia performed well.
Speaking to the media via Manchester Evening News, Shaw feels the Dutch manager’s insistence on demanding the best from players has made them better.
“The good thing about this manager, this gaffer, is that if you’re not playing well, then you won’t play. In the past, that’s not been the case, but I think the good thing about this manager is that he’s keeping everyone on their toes.
“He makes sure that everyone is 100% every day. If you’re not at it then you won’t play. That’s a positive thing.”
The England international started the first two games of the 2022/23 campaign under Ten Hag. However, the former Southampton star did not do well, as the Red Devils lost the opening two games of the season.
Subsequently, summer 2022 signing from Feyenoord, Malacia, was given opportunities. And the 23-year-old kept his place in the starting lineup as the Old Trafford side went on a four-game winning run in the Premier League.
However, in recent weeks Shaw has gotten his chances. Malacia has put in a few underwhelming displays against the likes of Manchester City and Omonia Nicosia. And the England international has started ahead of the Holland international.
Ten Hag has also made some other bold decisions. Since the defeats against Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford, Harry Maguire, the club captain, has not started in the English top flight.
Cristiano Ronaldo has also struggled to make a place for himself in the Dutch manager’s team. The Portuguese has not been in the best of forms this season.
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Ten Hag has managed to bring out the best of the likes of Shaw. Hopefully, the gaffer can continue making the team more competitive.
