Luke Shaw isn’t just fighting for form—he’s fighting for peace of mind.
After what he describes as the most difficult season of his career, both physically and mentally, the Manchester United defender is determined to put it all behind him.
Looking relaxed and healthy during a recent youth event in Chicago as part of United’s pre-season tour, the 30-year-old spoke candidly about what the last 18 months have been like—and how he’s ready to turn the page.
Injuries Took a Bigger Toll Than Anyone Knew
It all started with a simple limp off the pitch at Luton back in February last year.
What seemed like a minor setback at the time turned into a months-long absence from the game.
That match ended up being Shaw’s last under Erik ten Hag—and he wouldn’t wear a United shirt again for nine long months.
Though he returned in time to help England reach the Euro 2024 final, the season at club level was far from a comeback.
After only a few substitute appearances under new manager Ruben Amorim, Shaw was sidelined again for another five months.
United, meanwhile, were having their worst season in more than 50 years.
‘I Felt Like I Let Everyone Down’
Shaw didn’t mince words about how all of this impacted him.
“I couldn’t have got any lower last season,” he said. “I felt like I let Erik down.
I wasn’t there for him when he needed me, and that hurt.
Then Ruben came in, and we had big plans—but I got injured again. It just kept happening.”
For Shaw, the frustration wasn’t just about missed matches—it was about guilt.
“I kept blaming myself. Even if no one said it, I felt like I was letting the team down.
I’ve had injuries before, but last season felt different. It was mentally brutal.”
A Different Kind of Injury, a Different Kind of Struggle
What made last season even harder, Shaw explained, was how unfamiliar it all felt.
His injury started in the calf—something he had never dealt with before.
“It was horrible. I’d never had a calf injury, so the rehab was totally different.
And then just as I was getting back, something else would go wrong. It was so stressful.”
But that’s behind him now. “Right now, I feel really good,” Shaw said.
“I’m happy, I’ve got amazing people around me, a manager I trust—and honestly, I’m just excited again.”
Manager Amorim’s Faith Meant Everything
Shaw reserved special praise for Amorim, who recently called him “world class.”
For a player still trying to rebuild his confidence, the words meant a lot.
“It was unexpected, but really appreciated. He knows how hard last season was for me.
The way he’s backed me, especially when I was struggling, means a lot.”
That support, Shaw says, has been a huge motivator during pre-season.
Eyes on the Title, Not the Past
Shaw might be United’s longest-serving player now—he joined from Southampton back in 2014—but he isn’t resting on tenure.
He’s got big goals, and they’re not just about getting back into the England squad.
“I’m not thinking about England right now. That’ll take care of itself. My main focus is being fit and available for United.
That’s what matters.”
And his sights? They’re set high.
“It might sound crazy after the season we just had, but we want to win the Premier League.
We have to aim for that. This is Manchester United—we should always be aiming for the top.”
Staying Fit Is Now Priority Number One
For Shaw, the mission is clear: stay healthy, stay ready, and show up when the team needs him.
“If I can stay fit, everything else will fall into place.
I just want to help the team. That’s all I care about right now.”
After everything he’s been through, that focus might just be what helps him—and United—bounce back stronger than ever.