What does Telles think of Shaw's excellent form?

Sunday 24 January 2021 11:18

Alex Telles has heaped praise on his Manchester United team-mate Luke Shaw and stressed how their competition for the left-back position is helping everybody.

Telles joined the club from FC Porto last summer as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues to strengthen the squad, with a view to having two high-quality operators vying for each position in the team. 

Since making his debut in the UEFA Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain, Alex has racked up 12 appearances in total and could make it 13 in today’s Emirates FA Cup tie against Liverpool.

The popular 28-year-old has watched from the bench in recent weeks as his team-mate Shaw caught the eye in defence, most notably shining in last weekend’s Premier League game at Anfield
Video
Watch as Alex Telles discusses the form of Luke Shaw in our pre-match interview.

In an exclusive interview to preview today’s 17:00 GMT kick-off at Old Trafford, Telles outlined his admiration for Luke and explained how they are pushing each other to improve all the time. 

“I'm very prepared to play,” reported Alex at the Aon Training Complex on Friday. “I'm also very happy with the performances of Luke and his hard work. 

“I came here to play. And both me and Luke really develop together, both in training and games. I've played and have put in some good performances as well. 

“United benefit from this as well, United the club, because we win by having good players available. And if needed I'm here, ready, focused and prepared to play.

“And once again I repeat that I'm really happy for Luke Shaw, his great performances and contributions.”

Telles has experienced several high-profile rivalries while playing for his former clubs across Europe and the 28-year-old is quick to highlight one of the most intense when pressed on the subject.  

“I've played in a lot of derbies,” he told us. “Porto v Benfica, Galatasaray v Fenerbahce, the Milan derby and I think that the greatest, or the biggest rivalry, for me is Porto v Benfica. It's a game with a lot of history, it's a huge rivalry. Not just between the football clubs but also between the two cities. So for me I think it would be that one where the rivalry is the greatest.”
Cavani: Will I take a penalty? I'll be there! Video

Cavani: Will I take a penalty? I'll be there!

Our FA Cup tie against Liverpool could go to penalties and, unsurprisingly, Edinson is ready to step up if required...

Asked about United’s rivalry with Liverpool, Alex is learning more about it now that he’s a Red and hopes to experience it for the first time in today’s FA Cup fourth-round tie.

“I think I maybe started to understand how big the rivalry is when I came to Manchester United,” he said. “These are two really big clubs, both with a massive history. I think all the games between the two sides from the beginning right up until now have been competitive, and I saw in the previous game how great the rivalry was and I'm sure we will be very prepared for this match.”

Must-see videos before our FA Cup tie: