THE SHAW MANC REDEMPTION
Luke: This was vital after Euro blow
LUKE SHAW admits Manchester United’s season could have been wrecked if they were dumped out of the FA Cup by Brighton.
The Red Devils suffered Europa League embarrassment against Sevilla last week in Spain to end their hopes of winning three trophies this season.
Then Erik ten Hag’s side had to dig deep to win their FA Cup semi-final on penalties against Roberto De Zerbi’s high-flying side to book a final date with Manchester City at Wembley.
Shaw accepted another defeat would have changed the positive mood around United’s first campaign under the Dutchman.
“At the start of this week, it was the biggest week of the season,” said Shaw. “There was was no doubt about it.
“A massive game in the Europa League and then of course this. It will have defined our season.
“If we get knocked out both of them, then you’re right about the season (looking different). “But I think Brighton was a massive game, a massive opportunity to get into another final against a very good side and one I think everyone’s going to look forward to being involved in.” Shaw filled in at centre-back alongside Victor Lindelof with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane injured while Harry Maguire was suspended.
The left-back impressed in the role which he may now be asked to fill for the remainder of the season.
Argentina defender Martinez is out for the rest of the campaign and Ten Hag prefers to have a left-footed player playing on the left side of his central defensive pairing.
“Obviously it’s not easy,” said Shaw. “If it was in a three, it’s a bit different. But when it’s two, it’s a lot different, to be honest.
“But whenever I play there, I really enjoy it and obviously we had a couple days (to prepare).
“The manager spoke to me about it and Victor, of course, because against a team like Brighton they’re very tricky.
Sometimes I had to stay in the middle of the pitch to follow them, so it’s something new but I love playing there.”
United got the win when Lindelof fired home after Solly March blasted Brighton’s seventh spot kick over the bar.
The shootout also saw Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho banish the memories of their penalty misses for England in the Euro 2020 final against Italy at Wembley.
“I was next to Jadon,” added Shaw. “I said, ‘Whatever happens happens, just be confident.’ It’s part of football, things happen, these things happen.
“And I think maybe what was playing on their minds are the things that come with it, the racism and stuff that they experienced last time.
“They showed amazing confidence to step up and because the last time they took one in a shootout it was here.”