Luke Shaw gives surprise response to attack from Man Utd legend Roy Keane

Luke Shaw admits that Roy Keane was right to criticise him after Manchester United’s defeat to Manchester City last weekend, but said it still hurt.

The 30-year-old has been with the Red Devils since 2014, making 292 appearances since signing from Southampton for £30m.

Former club captain Keane watched United lose 3-0 to City last weekend and was not impressed with Shaw’s performance, especially in his involvement in Phil Foden’s opening goal.

In fact, the Irishman went further, saying Shaw has been underperforming for years with the Red Devils.

Injuries have hampered Shaw, making just seven Premier League appearances last season and 12 in the 2023/24 campaign, but Keane has little sympathy.

‘I think Shaw has been getting away with murder for years at United,’ Keane told Sky Sports.

‘Always injured, never quite fit. We make excuses and then he gets a few games under his belt and then he’s making decisions like he doesn’t even want to tackle people.’

Shaw has given a measured response to the criticism, accepting that he did not perform against Pep Guardiola’s side and that harsh reviews come with the territory of top level football.

However, he did defend himself, pointing out that he has been regularly picked by a string of Manchester United managers whenever he has been available to play.

‘People have opinions and I think sometimes you just have to take it on the chin,’ said Shaw. ‘He’s got a lot of experience. He was one of the best captains ever for United. Of course it hurts.

‘But, for me, I think criticism is part of being a football player. I listen to it. But I think he was right. I think that last week, I wasn’t at my level at all.

‘I don’t need Roy Keane to tell me. I think after the game, I knew that but of course it hurts. The most important thing is knowing how good I can be. The manager knows that.

‘I think the managers who I played with in the past know that. I’m always in the team and I’m always playing, so there must be something that the managers believe in.

‘I’m not getting any younger now and I need to be consistent. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs, but for me now, it’s about keeping that consistency at a high level, because I know I can do that.

‘That’s why last weekend hurt me a lot, because that’s not my level. And I think the criticism is what people understand. But like I said, I take it on the chin and listen to it and move on.’

Keane had pointed out Shaw’s involvement, or lack of it, in Foden’s opener last weekend, saying on Sky Sports: ‘It’s a very good goal from Man City, Doku and Foden, the timing is perfect.

‘But United’s defending, the two midfielders are too square and Luke Shaw just gives up.

‘It’s a nice bit of skill but Shaw’s an England international player, hundreds of games under his belt and he doesn’t even get his body position right.

‘It’s far too easy, it’s like he’s thrown the towel in. We know people can run off the back off Bruno, that’s been going on for years, but my goodness…

‘Even before that, the two midfielders are too square, one pass takes them out. It’s far too easy.

‘It’s as if United, they’ve got all the numbers back and everyone’s going: “Who’s going to make a tackle?” Shaw just throws the towel in there.’

Manager Ruben Amorim has stuck with Shaw, as the England international started the 2-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday at Old Trafford.