Shaw exclusive: We all know this summer is vital
An effective pre-season laid the foundation for Luke Shaw winning two Player of the Year awards and the Manchester United is itching to replicate that formula this summer, but first he plans to reward the fans by securing a victory over Cardiff City at Old Trafford.
The 23-year-old's consistent form in 2018/19 was recognised when he received the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year prizes at the club's annual awards ceremony.
As he reflected on that achievement with us on Friday morning, our no.23 admitted he has felt contrasting emotions about his individual successes: “I feel very proud – it’s a very special honour to win both of them," he said.
“I’m proud but obviously it’s hard to take with the season that we’ve had. I’m proud and disappointed because it would have been nice to win those trophies with a better season from us as a team.
“But, of course, it’s always nice to be recognised by the players and the fans as well. I thank them both for that and look forward to next season as well.”
Shaw would swap awards for team success
"I’d rather win no trophies and have a better season as a team," said a humble Luke after claiming his second award...
'OLE IS TALKING A LOT ABOUT FITNESS'
Shaw trained hard prior to last summer’s pre-season tour and, as a result, he impressed in those friendlies ahead of enjoying his best individual campaign so far.
Luke has now revealed that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reiterating the importance of returning ready for the 2019/20 season – something that he is already looking forward to.
“We are hungry for next season,” Shaw affirmed. “I think even more so that this season has been a disappointing one. We must make sure when we come back we’re ready. Ole has spoken a lot about pre-season and that it’s going to be an important factor in our start for the new season. We all need to be ready for that and come back in a better way than we’re leaving now.”
‘WE NEED TO FINISH ON A POSITIVE NOTE’
United sign off the season against Cardiff at Old Trafford on Sunday and Luke is keen to end the campaign by winning for the club's magnificent supporters.
“The fans have been amazing for us this season,” Luke declared. “Even with the bad results we’ve had recently, they’ve stuck by us – always singing and cheering us on. But, of course, it’s very important to finish on a positive.
“It’s not going to change how the season has gone, no matter the result, but we need to finish with a positive just for the fans. It’s our last home game and last game of the season, so we want to finish on a positive note and take it into the new season.”
"It's not going to change how the season has gone, no matter what the result is, but we need to finish with a positive, just for the fans."
‘STICK WITH US AND WE’LL BE BACK’
Luke ended our interview by delivering a message to the fans who have stuck by the team throughout the campaign and promised things will improve next season.
“I just want to say thank you for the support this season,” he added. “I know it’s been tough but I can promise that next season will be better.
“This season has hurt but next season we know what we need to do and I’m sure we will be back at the top next season. Stick with us and we will be back.”
Watch the full interview with Luke during the ‘Match Day’ show on MUTV, which starts at 13:30 BST on Sunday.
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