Left-back says “I felt like I let a lot of people down in the club”
Luke Shaw has said his injuries last season were “horrible” but he feels really good now and ready to pursue “big ambitions” with Manchester United.
With recurring injuries keeping him out, Shaw was limited to just 12 appearances last season as United slumped to a 15th-place finish in the Premier League and crashed out of Europe without a trophy.
The left-back said the extended spell on the sidelines took a heavy toll on him.
“I just felt like I let a lot of people down in the club and the team because I was always injured,” said Shaw.
“I might not have been, but it was just something in my head where I felt like I found it really hard. I just put a lot of blame on myself.
“I just really felt that I was letting the team down by not being available for a long time.
Head coach Ruben Amorim believes Shaw still has so much he can contribute to the squad. Earlier during the tour he praised the left-back, calling him “world class”.
“It’s really nice to hear that, especially from the manager,” said Shaw. “It was quite unexpected. It’s really nice and it’s a privilege for him to say that. He’s been really good with me.
“He understands the problems I had last season were really tough. It’s something I’ve not experienced to be honest. I know I’ve had a lot of injuries, but it was more mentally how tough it was. I’ve had injuries in the past, but last season it was different kinds of injuries. It was horrible.”
However, the England international feels he is in a far better place now and ready for the new season.
Shaw featured in five of United’s final eight games last season, including the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham. If fit, he could play in important role for Amorim’s side.
“I think right now I feel really good, really happy with great people around me in the team and a really good manager,” said Shaw.
“I can’t feel any better, to be honest. I’m really happy and I’m really looking forward to this season. I’ve got big ambitions this season, so I’m looking to fulfil them.”
