Author: Amrit Santlani
Manchester United’s players were “hurt” after losing to Manchester City in the FA Cup final last season, which allowed Pep Guardiola’s side to win the title three times. City had beaten Arsenal to the Premier League title and faced their rivals at Wembley.
Before the Cityzens’ heroics last season, United were the only English team to have won the title three times, although that was in 1999 under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Guardiola’s men won 2-1 and not only ended Erik ten Hag’s hopes of winning another trophy in his first season in charge at Old Trafford, but they also beat Inter Milan and marked their names in the history books.
After City’s prolonged celebrations, when players like Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, John Stones and Kalvin Phillips joined the England squad, it was when Shaw felt most “hurt”.
“It hurt a lot. Very much so. All of us, as players, felt that, especially me, when I saw them arrive at the England camp. It was very difficult to accept. We cannot allow this to happen again“said Shaw.
The 28-year-old is now United’s longest-serving player following the bitter departure of David de Gea. Shaw was signed by Louis van Gaal in 2014 in a £27 million deal. The defender has won nine trophies since then, but admits that he will continue to work hard to win more awards.
De Gea was recently let go by the club, who signed André Onana, a player who is much more comfortable using his feet, and the new signing has already impressed Shaw.
“David was incredible to us, we’re sad to see him go, but André will bring different qualities. You’ll see a different team now, with us building from the back. He brings a little more composure to it“, added the Englishman.
Shaw signed a contract extension in April, which will see him remain at Old Trafford until 2027.