Luke Shaw: United star hailed by Denis Irwin after 300th appearance for club | OneFootball

Luke Shaw arrived at Manchester United in the summer of 2014 as one of the finest young footballers in the country. On Sunday, 30 November, the Englishman played his 300th game for the Red Devils in what has been a topsy-turvy stint so far.

Once considered the long-term solution to the club and country’s left-back position, Shaw’s career was derailed by several injuries. Only three times during his decade-long stay at the Theatre of Dreams did the 30 year old make 40 appearances or more for the club.

Shaw’s mixed time at Old Trafford

There’s no doubt that when fully fit, Shaw can be an asset to his team. However, he has struggled to stay away from the treatment table for much of his career.

The Englishman registered 47 appearances in the 2022/23 campaign under former manager Erik ten Hag. Unfortunately, he only amassed 27 appearances in the next two seasons.

Things, however, have looked up this campaign, with Shaw flourishing in the left centre-back role so far. United head coach Ruben Amorim hailed him as “World Class” before the start of the season, and the player has subsequently started every game in the Premier League.

Luke Shaw Premier League Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Premier League Website.

On Tuesday, Amorim and United’s director of football Jason Wilcox presented the player with a commemorative framed shirt to celebrate his milestone with the club. United legend Gary Neville recently criticised Shaw for his performance in the 1-0 defeat to Everton, but another club legend Denis Irwin believes the former Southampton man has done a commendable job at Old Trafford.

Denis Irwin hails Shaw

Speaking on the Inside Carrington podcast, the legendary United left-back said: “He has been blighted with injuries, Luke, but I’ve got to say every manager, when he is fit, has picked him.”

“He has started every Premier League game this season so that tells you that Ruben is definitely backing him. He was brilliant [against Palace] and his recovery in a couple of tackles was needed by the way and particularly in the first half.”

“It suits him to play in that left centre-half [role]. We know he can play the wing-back role, but relating it myself, I would have been more comfortable in that left centre-back role rather than being a wing-back. He has been fantastic for us this season.”

“When I got to 500 I got a little cup, a little mug kind of thing! I’ve still got it. David Gill and Sir Alex presented it. But it’s a great achievement [to play 300 games] at this football club. Everybody knows it’s a massive football club, it’s got a huge history and tradition.”

“Anybody that plays one game for this club should be privileged and honoured that they have put the shirt on for Manchester United. To play 300 is fantastic and hopefully there are plenty more to come.”

Despite his impressive run this season, Shaw has not found a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, a decision which has baffled United.

Final Thoughts

Shaw’s contract expires at the end of next season, so United will have to make a decision on his future soon. If the Englishman continues to stay fit, the Red Devils could consider extending his stay, especially since he has rediscovered himself in the left centre-back role.

Meanwhile, Shaw is the longest-serving player in the current squad, so his experience and knowledge of the club’s culture and ethos remain a valuable addition to the locker room. As such, the English giants could also benefit from extending his stay.

Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images

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