Shaw passes 10 years of service at United

The defender is currently away with England at Euro 2024, preparing for the round of 16, after Gareth Southgate's men clinched top spot in Group C by drawing 0-0 with Slovenia.

Although injury has prevented Luke playing for club or country since United's game at Luton Town in February, the left-back is hoping to be involved now the tournament has reached the knockout stages in Germany.

While representing the Three Lions will be his current focus, Luke is likely to think back to arriving at Old Trafford 10 years ago, when a deal was struck with Southampton and he became Louis van Gaal's second signing as United boss, the day after Ander Herrera's transfer.

Despite his tender age, the 18-year-old had already made the PFA Team of the Season in 2013/14, and had a reputation as one of the brightest prospects in the country. A first outing for his new club came in a 7-0 win over LA Galaxy on tour but he had to wait until 27 September for his competitive debut, when he started against West Ham United in the Premier League.

Shaw went on to make 20 appearances in his maiden United campaign but in the following season, he broke his leg while playing against PSV Eindhoven away in a UEFA Champions League game. That was in September 2015 and he did not return until the Community Shield win over Leicester City, under new manager Jose Mourinho, in August 2016.

After making 19 appearances in consecutive seasons, his 2018/19 term was a triumph. Opening the league campaign with his first senior goal, against Leicester, Shaw won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award for his consistency of performance. He was the first Englishman to pick up the trophy since Wayne Rooney in 2009/10, after beating off competition from Victor Lindelof and Paul Pogba for the prize.

Registering another 80 outings across the following two campaigns, he became firmly established as a key figure in the side and took his tally to three goals, with a deflected effort against Derby County and, famously, a lovely strike in the sweet derby win away to Manchester City.

After the disappointment of losing the 2020/21 Europa League final to Villarreal on penalties, the next season brought another managerial change. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, whom Luke played under 118 times, moved on and the defender also suffered injury problems that restricted him to 20 league appearances.

A first campaign under Erik ten Hag was much more productive. Not only did Shaw show an ability to operate as a centre-back but the England international helped the team reach both domestic cup finals, winning the Carabao Cup with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at Wembley. Casemiro's key opening goal came from Luke's perfectly delivered free-kick on the left.

Playing 47 times across all competitions, and scoring against Bournemouth in the league, Luke demonstrated his undoubted quality.

Despite being sidelined for much of 2023/24, his 15 games took him into the club's top 30 players for Premier League outings. In terms of the current first-team squad, only Marcus Rashford (402) and the departing Antony Martial (317) have made more than Shaw's 275 appearances in all comps.

Unfortunately, Luke was unable to return from his lay-off in order to appear in the Emirates FA Cup final victory over Manchester City but he will be striving to prove his fitness at some point in Germany.

After he scored in the previous European Championship final, England will be determined that he can play some part, particularly as he is the only natural left-back in the squad.

Congratulations to Luke on his United anniversary and good luck for the weekend, when we hope to see you back in action!

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