Luke Shaw has pledged his future to Manchester United by signing a new four-year deal at Old Trafford. The left-back, who joined the club from Southampton in 2014 for £30 million, has had a tumultuous time at United, including a horrific double leg break in his second season and criticism from former manager Jose Mourinho. However, under current boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag, Shaw has become one of the best full-backs in the world.
Shaw’s previous deal was set to run until 2024, but he had a 12-month clause that was triggered earlier this year. Despite this, Shaw was keen to sign fresh terms and reports suggest he has now done so. Ten Hag refused to confirm the news when questioned last Friday, but at that point, the deal had only been agreed, not signed.
United will now focus on securing the futures of Marcus Rashford and David De Gea. De Gea’s contract expires at the end of the season, and while he is keen to stay at the club, negotiations over a lowered salary have yet to be resolved. The Spaniard currently earns £375,000-a-week and won’t accept severely reduced terms.
Shaw’s commitment to United is a boost for Solskjaer, who has been working hard to rebuild the squad since taking over from Mourinho in 2018. The Norwegian has overseen a significant improvement in Shaw’s performances, with the defender now an integral part of the team.
Shaw’s new deal is also a sign of United’s ambition to challenge for major honours again. The club has struggled to compete with rivals Manchester City and Liverpool in recent years, but Solskjaer has been given significant backing in the transfer market and is building a young, talented squad.
United’s next challenge is to secure Champions League football for next season. They currently sit second in the Premier League table, 14 points behind City but with a game in hand. With Shaw committed to the club, Solskjaer will be hoping to build on this season’s progress and challenge for the title next year.
Shaw’s new deal is also a boost for England manager Gareth Southgate, who will be hoping to include the left-back in his squad for this summer’s European Championships. Shaw has been in excellent form for United this season, contributing five assists and helping the team keep 11 clean sheets in the Premier League.
Overall, Shaw’s decision to commit his peak years to United is a positive sign for the club and its fans. The defender has overcome significant setbacks to become one of the best players in his position, and his new deal is a reward for his hard work and dedication. With Solskjaer at the helm and a talented squad at his disposal, United will be hoping to challenge for major honours in the coming years.