Luke, let’s WE MUST REFOCUS. WE’RE ALL FURIOUS THAT WE ARE NOT YET IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
SHAW:
PREMIER LEAGUE
LUKE SHAW has revealed Manchester United are fuming that the Champions League race is in danger of going to the wire.
Coming into the weekend, Erik ten Hag’s men were still favourites to claim a top-four place ahead of arch rivals Liverpool as they held a four-point lead over them, having played one game less.
But had they not dropped five from the last nine available, the Reds would be travelling to West Ham this afternoon with qualification for Europe’s elite competition next term already sealed.
England defender Shaw, whose handball gave away a last-gasp penalty in Thursday’s 1-0 defeat at Brighton, admits there is a deep sense of frustration inside the dressing room as they splutter towards the finishing line.
United also ended up with a draw at Tottenham 10 days ago after blowing an early two-goal lead in N17.
And Shaw claims they have only themselves to blame for leaving the door ajar for Jurgen Klopp’s in-form Merseysiders.
The Old Trafford left-back, 27, said: “It was extremely comfortable for us at one point. But the way we have been playing and the results we have had, we’ve now got dragged back into a fight that we didn’t want to be in.
“We have to refocus. We have to get ready because West Ham are fighting for their lives. It’s a massive game.”
Shaw was the first to admit his moment of madness at the Amex Stadium, as he raised an arm to divert a ball from a corner, was inexplicable and unforgivable.
Asked if he had offered an apology to his team-mates for his rash action, he replied: “No, nothing yet. It’s deflated in there and everyone knows how I feel. I’m disappointed with myself because I’ve cost us a point. It’s still in our hands, with our lead and game in hand.
“But we have got to move on from this. That’s what the Premier League is. There are definitely no easy games. Every one is tough.
“The games we’ve got are against teams fighting for their lives. But we need points – and quick.” The Irons, despite hovering just above the drop zone, are on a decent run at the London Stadium and held Arsenal to a 2-2 draw.
Shaw is under no illusions regarding the task, adding: “They’re a team with really good players and they have good momentum.
“We know how good their crowd is and, with the situation they’re in – they’ll be fired up and will get the team fired up.
“That’s the occasion we have to be ready for – and we have to play the game, not the occasion.” Against
Brighton, Shaw was one of four United players booked and flipped his lid with ref Andre Marriner when shown a yellow for conceding a soft free-kick in the dying stages.
Seconds later came his bizarre handball.
Which is why boss Ten Hag wants to see greater selfcontrol and discipline, while maintaining their essential, ferocious will to win.
The Dutchman explained: “We have to keep our heads clear, but also I demand this passion and desire from my players. You need that and it brought us to where we are now.”
‘We’ve been dragged back into a fight we didn’t want to be in’