Ruben Amorim has put some credit in the bank in recent weeks, having overseen an upturn in performances and results at the Manchester United helm.
But the Red Devils’ three-match winning run in the Premier League was halted on Saturday’s draw against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. It was a creditable result, even if the performance left plenty to be desired.
Negativity has hung over Old Trafford like a brooding cloud for far too long, but Amorim will sense the first signs of a shift, with his side not only more fluent as a unit but demonstrably stronger from a mental standpoint too.
While impactful additions like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have helped refashion the outfit’s attack, they have been joined by a number of players, finding form after such bleak and low-ebb efforts last year.
Amorim's resurgent Man Utd stars
Cunha and Mbeumo are difference-makers, but no one has personified Manchester United’s budding resurgence under Amorim quite like Amad Diallo.
Amad salvaged a draw in that 2-2 battle at Forest last weekend, with that late volley salvaging a result and easing his own frustrations at being beaten by Morgan Gibbs-White in the air after the break. There it was that Casemiro’s first-half goal was cancelled out.
The Ivorian is a nifty little playmaker, with quick feet and an eye for goal that requires only a glance back at the weekend for proof, that strike very much pressed firmly in fans’ minds.
But his reshaped role as a wing-back has come at the expense of attacking freedom. Amad is not a natural defender, but neither is he a lost cause when against the ball. He works well on the flank of that line, adding to a defence that still searches for its final form.
But it’s getting there. Harry Maguire did not play against the Tricky Trees, but he has proven himself to be an important player this term. Likewise, Matthjis de Ligt is starting to come into his own after previously toiling through his first campaign in England.
And Casemiro’s strike to open the scoring underscored once again his own revival. Jamie Carragher’s acerbic comments have fallen flat, with the Brazilian now something of a linchpin in the centre for a side that has proven unable to find answers in the engine room.
But there’s an even bigger turnaround taking place at the Theatre of Dreams. Yes, one of United’s longest-serving stars appears to have found his finest form in some time.
Struggling Man Utd star is now undroppable
Manchester United have been through a lot over the past 12 years. Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement was always going to knock Old Trafford out of kilter, but no one expected the club to have fallen from their perch as they have.
A trophy-winning identity has been maintained throughout, but inconsistencies have been rife, and too many frustrating players have been signed, unable to find the form that their skillsets demand.
Chief among these cases would be that of Luke Shaw, who has come a long way in a short amount of time this year.
Not only enjoying a prolonged run of fitness, the England international is performing resolutely in a left-sided centre back berth, and that after playing as if he “didn’t want to tackle anyone” toward the start of the campaign, as was said by Roy Keane, who also declared the defender has been “getting away with murder for years”.
Undoubtedly, Shaw has been put through a career-long wringer in terms of fitness levels. He left Southampton and joined Man United for a fee in excess of £30m in 2014, and after more than 11 years of service, the 30-year-old has 297 games chalked off.
Many times, he has languished in the infirmary, never quite able to build up that natural athleticism and energy and technical ability to a point of recognition as one of the best left-backs in the world.
But, having started each of his side’s ten Premier League matches so far this season, there’s reason to be excited as Shaw continues to make headway. He is sharp and aware and robust in his defensive duties.
Match Stats
#
Minutes played
90′
Goals conceded
2
Touches
85
Accurate passes
65/74 (88%)
Possession lost
9x
Dribbles
1/1
Recoveries
1
Tackles
2/2
Interceptions
3
Clearances
1
Ground duels
4/5
Aerial duels
3/4
The point gained at Forest proved this. In isolation, it was a frustrating performance, not quite slick enough and disappointing to have conceded twice after the interval, having worked hard to take the advantage into the break.
But we are not talking in isolation here. United played with heart and understanding, and Shaw was at the centre of this, building upon months of work. The Manchester Evening News noted he ‘will play himself back into the England squad’ with a continuation of these performances.
Keane would be the first to rejoice at Shaw’s rejuvenation. There has been no vendetta against the experienced ace, but rather, a deep disappointment relating to the club’s struggles to kick on. Shaw has been at the epicentre of this, too often injured and too often out of sorts. But no longer. This is a player who has rediscovered his self-belief and the joy of wearing the United badge.
This Saturday’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur – in London – will mark the perfect chance to enter the November international break with a real sense of progress. Amorim, undoubtedly, will field Shaw in his starting line-up, with the defender’s composure and ease on the ball now blended with renewed defensive iron. He is undroppable at this moment in time.
As the early-season form at Man United will attest, there is a long road to walk before the Red Devils and Shaw can look back and nod at efforts well expended.
Silverware is needed, and stability in contention at the top of the table. Whether United will do it is anyone’s guess, but so far, so good.
