How Shaw deals with Anfield hostility
Luke Shaw has declared that playing at Liverpool is "business as usual" despite the hostility that he admits a visit to Anfield brings.
The left-back has played at the L4 venue over half a dozen times for both Southampton and United, so is, by now, well accustomed to what a matchday at the other end of the M62 brings.
He could add to that tally this weekend if selected by Ruben Amorim, as we face the Merseysiders in a Sunday afternoon Premier League clash.
Speaking in the most recent edition of Inside United, Shaw revealed how he deals with the intense atmosphere, which he says ramps up before the players even step foot in the ground.
"You really feel it," the defender admitted. "Of course, not just when you're in the stadium, but leading into the stadium.
"You go along a one-way road kind of thing and the bus is there, and there are a lot of fans outside. It really is hostile.
"I think as players, you kind of enjoy that moment, you know, it really feels like a big game then.
"It can be very hostile. But I think it's part and parcel of football, the rivalry."
Nevertheless, Shaw doesn't let that febrile atmosphere disrupt his regular pre-match preparations, as opposition fans may otherwise hope.
"I think once you are in the zone, you kind of forget about everything else," he continued. "It is, like you said, business as usual.
"But of course, before the game, I think always for me, when you get into the changing room, I think you zone out of most things and you completely focus on the game ahead and what needs to be done, that's just how I am.
"I just focus completely on the game when I'm in the changing room and don't think about too many distractions outside of that."
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United head to Anfield this weekend looking to better the 2-2 draw recorded in Ruben Amorim's first visit there as head coach last season.
The rivalry between the two clubs stretches back decades, which always adds an extra edge to the game, but that is precisely why footballers like Shaw want to play in them.
"You always look forward to the big games," he admitted.
"Hopefully, this season, we can get a much better result there."
Shaw was speaking in the October edition of Inside United – order your copy here!