Why Manchester United should sign Luke Shaw

Immediately after the end of the 2013/14 season, Manchester United launched its quest into the transfer market to bring in new players and rebuild the United which everyone once feared. Dethroned and humiliated, they made their intentions cleared to their rivals that the ignominies of last season will not be repeated again. Without any further delay they made an offer of £27 million for the Southampton teenager, Luke Shaw. Luke Shaw had an impressive season for the Saints and is on the road to become one of the brightest fullbacks in the country.

The sort of money that United are ready to spill on him clearly indicates their desperation to make Shaw a Red Devil. But the question that arises is why United are so desperate to sign this teenager. But once you calmly analyze his stats and playing style you will understand the reason of their desperation.

Luke Shaw had a remarkable season for the Saints. He played in 35 matches out of possible 38, clearly indicating how indispensable player he was for them this season. He played so well and gave so mature performances that most even forgot the fact that he is still a teenager. With Evra growing old and the possibility of him leaving the club at the end of next season, Luke Shaw could be a long term replacement for the Frenchman.

Luke Shaw stats for 13/ 14 season:

Total Appearances	35
Total Goals Scored	0
Total Chances Created	33
Avg. Passing Accuracy	79%
Avg. Duels Won	58%
Total Defensive Errors	0
Total Yellow/ Red cards	4/0

On reviewing his stats for the season, we can clearly see he is very much stable at the back and also creative up front. He created a total of 33 chances up the pitch, doing what Evra used to do in United. Most importantly he made no defensive errors at the back giving the impression of his maturity during the game. And with Evra still in United colors till next year, he could provide the best mentorship Shaw needs in order to thrive in United.

Luke Shaw vs Patrice Evra:

	Luke Shaw	Patrice Evra
Dribbles Completed	56	26
Shots	24	19
Crosses	141	129
Clearances	122	181
Tackles	72	79
Shots Blocked	4	5

On comparing both of their style of play, there isn’t much difference. Both of them are attacking fullbacks, attacking up front when the situation arises. Like Evra, Shaw is quick on his foot which is one of the most important attribute for an attacking fullback. Shaw biggest strength is his dribbling; he easily dazzles his opponents with his skills, breaking into their territory. He is good at delivering ball into the opponent’s box and has provided many crosses this season, 144 to be precise. Not only this, he has also carried out his duties admirably at the back. He was good at blocking shots and intercepting opponent’s passes.

Looking at the stats and arguments, Shaw appears to have all the qualities it takes to be a United player. With United preferring to play its fullbacks up front and given the attributes Luke possesses, the position will rightly suit him. But isn’t £27 million a price too much for the teenager, according to me the answer is a straight ‘NO’. United are taking this £27 million deal as a long term investment to replace the void that will be left by Evra when he departs from United next season. His counterpart Alex Buttner was signed to provide some back-up, but his performances and the fact that he has played for United only a few times suggested that United needed to look somewhere else to fill Evra’s boots and Luke seems a perfect fit for them.

Shaw is still young and needs to learn a lot. If mentored properly he could easily be one of the best fullbacks of England. In an interview with sky sports, Luke also expressed his desire to play for Manchester United.

“It is great to play for a team like this and especially with the way the gaffer likes his full-backs to play high and wide. I think that is one of my qualities as an attacking full-back.”

If United somehow gets their hands onto this young lad, they surely will have one less thing to worry about this summer and as a United fan I hope it happens soon.