- Birthdate: 12 Jul 1995
- Birthplace: Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey
- Position: Defender
- Joined United: 27 Jun 2014
- Joined From: Southampton
- United Debut: 27 Sep 2014 v West Ham (H)
Luke Shaw joined Manchester United in June 2014 with a reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in English football.
Although injuries disrupted his debut season at Old Trafford, when he made just 20 first-team appearances in all competitions, the defensive livewire convinced many observers that he will become an important cog in Louis van Gaal’s improving machine and replicate the longevity of those who have previously worn the no.3 shirt.
Denis Irwin registered 529 Reds appearances and remains an authority on the club’s current full-backs; he believes Shaw has a bright future ahead. “He has been very unfortunate with injuries, but he will be a fantastic player for us - I guarantee you that,” says the Irishman. “I have no doubt at all that he will be our first-choice left-back for years to come."
Shaw arrived at United after returning from the World Cup in Brazil where he earned his third England cap in the goalless draw with Costa Rica. This involvement enhanced an already impressive CV for such a young defender, adding to the 67 senior appearances he made for Southampton where he flourished under Nigel Adkins and then Mauricio Pochettino.
The defender's progress at St Mary’s actually began back in 2004 when he joined the South Coast outfit as a fledgling 10-year-old prospect... but only after boyhood favourites Chelsea turned him down for being too small. “I think it was only when I was about 14 or 15 when I got taller and bigger. I can't remember much of being released by Chelsea. But I remember the first day of my trial at Southampton – they called me straightaway to say they wanted me.”
Shaw joined the same youth academy that had produced high-profile stars such as Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott. In January 2012, he made his first-team bow during an FA Cup fourth-round draw at Millwall aged 16 and a first-ever professional start arrived via a Capital One Cup first-round win at Stevenage at the outset of 2012/13. A Barclays Premier League debut followed, paving the way for a maiden campaign that yielded 28 first-team appearances as the Saints finished 14th.
The left-back registered another 41 outings in 2013/14 and, in doing so, he helped Southampton became the top flight's surprise package that helped them finish eight points behind United in eighth place. The big move north followed after his World Cup baptism and there is little doubt he has the potential to shine at Old Trafford. "I believe in Luke Shaw," stressed van Gaal at the end of the season, suggesting once he matures from a teenager into a fully-grown man, he will be a major asset.
