Lukaku: Shaw Has Been United
By Max Wise
Luke Shaw has been Manchester United’s best player this season, according to teammate Romelu Lukaku.
Luke Shaw’s Old Trafford career appeared to be on the edge after persistent injury problems, coupled with incessant criticism of his performances from former manager Jose Mourinho left him frustrated.
However, an upturn in form, following a regimented pre-season program, has thrown Luke Shaw back into the limelight, with his impressive performances earning him a recall into the English national team as well as a new five-year contract at the club.
Shaw earned rave reviews this weekend for shackling the Premier League’s joint top goalscorer, Mohamed Salah, as Manchester United overcame a series of injury setbacks to earn a point against the League leaders.
Lukaku, analyzing United’s progress under caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, referenced the England international for special praise.
"Everybody is talking about us being offensively really good, but defensively we are doing really well," Lukaku told reporters.
"Chris Smalling coming in the last couple of games [after injury] has been brilliant, and Luke Shaw has been the best player of the season for me.
"Ashley Young has been consistent and David de Gea is the best goalkeeper in the world."
United’s injury problems could lead to the unavailability of up to ten senior players with Solskjaer confirming that youngsters Angel Gomes, Tahith Chong and Jimmy Garner will all be in the squad to face Crystal Palace on Wednesday but Lukaku wants the side to stay positive and adapt.
"We have a number of injuries, but we have to stay positive - have that positive mentality," the Belgium international said.
"We are Manchester United and you have to go wherever and win. You just have to adapt.
"It is about being mentally strong when you have players injured. Roy Hodgson will set up his Palace team really well, so we will prepare and we need to recover properly because Liverpool was a physical game, but we will be ready to go again."
