Luke Shaw has hailed the ruthless decisions made by Ruben Amorim this summer and claims Manchester United’s refreshed squad can challenge for the Premier League title.
The Red Devils endured a nightmare season last time around, finishing in 15th place and losing almost half of their games.
Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag in November but failed to arrest the team’s slide as a disjointed group of players failed to adjust to his tactical demands.
An abysmal season culminated in a damaging Europa League final defeat against Tottenham which saw the club miss out on European qualification altogether.
The rebuilding job is, however, underway in earnest with new signings Mathetus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo looking to make an early impression ahead of games against Bournemouth and Everton in America.
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A search for a new centre forward remains a priority, but arguably Amorim’s most important decisions this summer have already been made in ridding the group players Shaw described as ‘stragglers’.
Marcus Rashford, who has joined Barcelona on loan, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Jadon Sancho have all been deemed surplus to requirements and told to find new clubs.
Where next for Man Utd's bomb squad members?
Marcus Rashford: The 27-year-old would look to relaunch his career at Barcelona next season having secured a dream loan move last week. The Spanish champions have the option to make the deal permanent for €30m, but Rashford will have to go some to make an impression given Barca’s already star studded forward line.
Jadon Sancho: After Chelsea opted against making the winger’s move permanent following a mixed loan spell last season, it’s been a case of back to the drawing board for a player who cost United £73m four years ago. Club’s in Italy, including Juventus, have been heavily linked, but personal terms remain an issue.
Alejandro Garnacho: Arguably the poster boy of the bomb squad, the Argentine’s regular disciplinary breaches made Amorim’s decision to freeze him out a relatively simple one. Despite his obvious flaws, the 21-year-old retains a string of admirers in the Premier League with Aston Villa and Chelsea showing clear interest.
Antony: Having lost the support of Erik ten Hag, the manager who brought him to Old Trafford, it always seemed unlikely that the £82m signing would be given much of a chance by Amorim. The Brazil international did, however, enjoy a stunning renaissance at Real Betis following a January loan move and although he would dearly love a return to Spain, the La Liga club are struggling to finance a deal which has left the 25-year-old in a state of limbo.
Tyrell Malacia: It is, perhaps, harsh to label the Dutchman a ‘bomb squad’ member given his injury nightmare, but it’s clear he has no future at United. Malacia was loaned out to PSV in January but didn’t do enough to persuade Amorim he deserved a second chance at Old Trafford and wasn’t included in the pre-season tour squad.
None of that quartet have been permitted to train with the first team during the summer and, regardless of any more incomings, Shaw insists there is a new dynamic within the current group as a result of Amorim’s no nonsense approach.
He said: ‘His mentality, his demands, he’s tough on the group. He leaves no stone unturned. I think there’s no stragglers in this group any more.
‘Everyone has to put the team first. He’s made that very clear. He’s picking the team on how he feels will be best for the team and that’s his choice.
‘Us as players are fully behind him and what he wants to implement. We feel like a real team, the group is so together that’s something we need to keep us more as a family and make sure we’re driving in the same direction.’
Given their obvious recent struggles, Shaw accepted he would be inviting ridicule by harbouring such lofty ambitions but the long-serving left-back sees no issue in aiming high.
He added: ‘The aim has to be winning the Premier League. I know people will be questioning me for saying it after last season but it has to be that and it’s not just me that thinks that.
‘The manager probably wouldn’t see it in the press but we all have to have the same beliefs and ambitions and that family feeling together and we’ll strive for the same thing.’
Shaw’s own future has been the subject of speculation over the course of the last week with reports claiming he was on the verge of quitting amid renewed competition for his place following the signing of teenager Diego Leon.
‘Last year was awful, I wouldn’t wish it ony anyone,’ said Shaw, who is currently United’s longest-serving player.
‘I’ve got to put it behind me now and focus on what’s coming up, what’s in the future. My expectations are that I can stay fit and give the manager an option for whatever he may need.’
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