Manchester United’s dressing room, once plagued by negativity, is undergoing a dramatic overhaul under manager Ruben Amorim, with veteran defender Luke Shaw publicly backing the Portuguese coach’s uncompromising approach.
Shaw, a United player since 2014, revealed that the atmosphere at the club has often been “extremely negative” and “quite toxic” in recent years.
Amorim, who took the reins at Old Trafford in November, has wasted no time in demanding higher standards and greater commitment from his squad.
His firm stance has notably seen key figures like Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, who were reportedly among five players looking to leave the club this close season, frozen out.
Rashford has since joined Barcelona on loan, while Garnacho is reportedly linked with moves to Chelsea or Aston Villa.
Speaking in an interview with the BBC on Wednesday, Shaw emphasized the need for a healthy and positive environment.
“It can be quite toxic, the environment, it’s not healthy at all… we need an environment that’s healthy, that’s positive, that’s got good energy and happiness. When you have all those things, you feel free and you express yourself more,” he explained.
The English left-back highlighted Amorim’s unwavering demands, particularly concerning mentality. “Ruben brings demands. Mentality is a big thing.
He talks a lot about it… he demands 100% and doesn’t want anything less. If someone’s doing 85-90%, it’s not enough. I think, especially this year, if you’re not doing the right things, you won’t play,” Shaw asserted.
Amorim’s tough stance was evident in his questioning of Rashford’s work rate, famously stating he would “rather pick the goalkeeper coach” than players lacking full commitment.
Shaw fully endorsed this philosophy: “The manager’s not bothered. He doesn’t care who the player is. That’s how it should be. Whatever he wants, as players, we have to be delivering, and we are fully behind that.”
United, who finished a disappointing 15th last season and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur, will kick off their new Premier League campaign at home against Arsenal on August 17, hoping Amorim’s disciplined approach can steer them back to success.
ALSO READ:Chelsea’s extravagant summer splashing Ksh 34 billion on young talent
