Luke Shaw: Let's make Old Trafford a fortress
Luke Shaw is delighted with the attacking prowess shown by Manchester United in two Christmas crackers so far but he's determined to achieve a target at the other end too, by keeping a clean sheet with his colleagues in defence.
However, the consecutive run of top-flight matches in which United have conceded was stretched to five by Victor Camarasa's penalty in South Wales and then six when Mathias Jorgensen stabbed home an 88th-minute consolation for our Boxing Day visitors following a free-kick.
Highlights: United 3 Huddersfield 1
Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba (2) were among the goals as the Reds beat Huddersfield on Boxing Day...
"It’s been frustrating [not to keep a clean sheet] because in the last two games we’ve defended really well, especially the two centre-backs," Shaw told us ahead of today's home clash with Bournemouth.
"I think Jonah [Phil Jones] and Victor [Lindelof] have been amazing. The defending is much better and we’ve been so close [to a clean sheet]. They’re two set-piece goals [we’ve conceded]. In open play we haven’t really been tested too much.
"I think set-pieces are the only thing that have tested us so I think that’s a positive and I’m sure the clean sheet for David [De Gea] will come soon. We just need to keep doing the same things. We need to make Old Trafford a fortress again. I feel we’re on the right track to making that happen and we can’t wait to get back out there in front of our fans and hopefully get the three points.
"First and foremost our job [as defenders] is to defend. Then we can help the attack which has also been good. I think the most important thing now is we’re more clinical. I feel we’ve created chances before but not taken them. Now we're adapting and changing and becoming a more clinical team and that’s shown in the results. We just need to keep that going."
Inside training
GallerySolskjaer's latest session featured a mix of big names, returning Reds and young prospects.
"We were going through a tough time when he came in so I think he knew what was needed, having spent so many years at this club," said Luke.
"He knows this club inside out and obviously he worked under one of the best managers in the world [in Sir Alex Ferguson]. I’m sure he took some tips off him. It’s a really positive place at the moment and we’ve got to keep that positivity going."
MUTV will show the interview with Luke in the build-up to the Bournemouth game. Matchday Live is on air at 15:00 GMT, 90 minutes before kick-off.
Reading this in our app? If not, you might miss some exclusive features not found on ManUtd.com. Download the Official App here.
'We feel privileged to have our supporters'
ArticleJuan Mata wants to sign off 2018 by beating Bournemouth, for our fans at Old Trafford and around the world.
How Solskjaer plans to teach our forwards
Article"I want to get in their heads," says Ole in a top insight. "I've always said finishing is different to shooting."
Solskjaer's six of the best
ArticleThe caretaker manager will soon have half-a-dozen forwards to choose from.
Solskjaer provides squad update
ArticleUnited's caretaker manager delivers the latest news from inside the camp, ahead of Sunday's match against Bournemouth.