Shaw: We've already improved

The Reds have kicked off Tour 2022 with two wins from two, including an impressive 4-0 victory over Liverpool in Bangkok.

Another four goals followed on Friday night in the 4-1 triumph over Melbourne Victory and Shaw says the Reds are enjoying ten Hag's training and new ideas. The full-back insists there is plenty more to come from the team, who are determined to put last season well and truly behind them.

"We can’t be satisfied anymore with how the team had been going," he told us. "It’s not where the club should be and we know the levels have had to take a massive step in terms of higher intensity and what we’re supposed to be doing and I think from the start of the last two weeks, especially in training, it’s definitely a big improvement. 

"And even in the games, I think you could see things that probably you haven’t seen before, so I think there are things to look forward to.

"I think the manager knows what the team needs and he has his own style and how he wants to manage and all the players have really taken it on board and they’re really enjoying it," added Luke.

"He is very hands-on and he takes a lot of the sessions. He’s involved a lot and if he sees people aren’t hitting the standards that he wants in training he’ll make sure they know. I think that’s good because he keeps the standards high. 

"The manager demands more and we have to be better and better. After the first game he said to the press and he also said it to us as well that there were mistakes made that we need to improve on, not just individually but as a team as well.

"He’s spoken a lot about the team and the structure and the way he wants to play. It’s a lot of details, but details win games and with his philosophy and the way he wants to play, we need to listen.

"It’s really good to have an idea of what the manager wants and it’s down to us to go and show that on the pitch. And like I said, there is still much more to come from us and this is only the start."

Shaw is pleased with his own start to Tour 2022 and is relishing the chance to build his fitness after suffering injuries at the end of last season.

"Last season was very disappointing, not just as a team but also individually for me," he admitted. "It wasn’t what people expect or what I expect and I think this season is another fresh start. Now it’s time for me to keep consistency and keep higher levels of performance week in, week out which I’ve spoken to the manager about already and that’s what he wants."

The Reds will continue preparations for the new campaign with two more Tour 2022 matches in Australia - against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa - before another couple of pre-season fixtures in Oslo and at Old Trafford. Then all eyes will be on Brighton at home on 7 August.

"I think you need to have an eye on that Brighton match [already] because that’s the most important game that’s coming up," explained Luke. "Now, it’s all about preparation and getting the fitness work in and the game time, and obviously understanding the new set-up the manager wants on the pitch. It’s about putting all that together and making sure we’re 100 per cent at our best when that first game comes because that’s the most important one."