X

Shaw: It's a bit of a reality check

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw believes the side were dealt something of a 'reality check' following our defeat against Premier League leaders Arsenal at the Emirates.

In what was a back and forth encounter in North London, Erik ten Hag's men took the lead early on through Marcus Rashford, before Eddie Nketiah levelled proceedings shortly after.

Bukayo Saka then handed the Gunners an early second-half advantage, before Lisandro Martinez scored his first goal for the club to square things up at 2-2.

Nketiah's second goal of the game just moments before full-time would however prove to be pivotal, with Shaw highlighting the Gunners' relentless nature.

Ten Hag: We know we can do better

''You have to give them credit for what they have done this season,'' began Shaw, speaking to Sky Sports post-match.

''I know we are only halfway but I think they deserve to be at the top from the way they are playing and the way they play.

''Like I just said we are only halfway through the season and there is a long way to go, we have to fully focus now on our next game as we have a big semi-final coming up.''

Still the only English team to be involved in all four major tournaments at this stage of the season, it's been a superb turnaround for the Reds, who have only posted one loss domestically since our 3-1 defeat against Aston Villa back in November.

With our Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Nottingham Forest next to come on Wednesday night, United have the perfect chance to respond and get back on winning ways following this evening's disappointment.

Paying testament to the level of intensity the Premier League brings, our no.23 says he is enjoying the challenge of helping to push the club on to success this term.

 

Martinez: We have to kill games

''The quality of these games [are improving] much more,'' he added.

''It was a tough game to be involved in but these are the games that every player wants to play in to test themselves against the best.

''We are all gutted conceding so late on but its a bit of a reality check to where we are at the moment. We have to get back to work tomorrow with a big game this Wednesday against Forest.''

Recommended: