Luke Shaw believes Manchester United's current squad could be the most talented he has experienced during his long career at Old Trafford.
The 31-year-old is preparing to begin his 13th season at Manchester United, with Michael Carrick's side opening their Premier League campaign away to Hull City on Saturday.
After experiencing numerous managers, squads and rebuilds during his time at the club, Shaw believes there is something noticeably different about the atmosphere surrounding United this season.
Shaw excited by Manchester United squad
Speaking to MUTV, Shaw explained that the excitement before a new season never disappears, but admitted he feels particularly optimistic this time.
“I feel really, really positive about this season – with the group, with the manager,” Shaw said.
“The way things are around the place. Everyone is extremely positive, so I’m really looking forward to this season.”
Shaw was then asked whether the current mood was among the best he had experienced at United.
His response was emphatic.
“I would certainly say this is the most positive, happiest and probably talented group that we’ve had.”
That is a significant assessment from a player who joined United in 2014 and has experienced almost every high and low of the club's post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
Shaw embracing senior role at United
Now one of the most experienced members of the squad, Shaw also believes he has a responsibility to help United's new arrivals understand the demands of playing at Old Trafford.
The defender admitted that joining a club of United's size is not always straightforward.
“Sometimes coming to this club, it’s not always as easy as you think,” he explained.
“I’ve experienced it all and I’ve been through a lot of things here. Ups and downs. So I’ve learnt a lot.”
Shaw now wants to use those experiences to help younger players and new signings settle quickly.
He believes United's summer arrivals have already integrated well, praising both their quality on the pitch and the energy they have brought to the dressing room.
“They bring really good energy, not just on the pitch but off the pitch,” Shaw said. “They’ve been great around the lads and really settled in quickly.”
Hull provide first test
The positive mood will now be tested when United travel to newly-promoted Hull City for Saturday's early kick-off.
Expectations have increased following another summer of changes to the squad, but Shaw's comments suggest confidence inside the dressing room is high heading into Carrick's first full campaign.
For one of United's longest-serving players, this squad already feels different.
Key Points
- Shaw is preparing for his 13th Manchester United season.
- He described the current squad as the “most positive” and “happiest” he has experienced.
- Shaw also believes it could be United's most talented group during his time.
- The 31-year-old is embracing his role as one of the squad's senior players.
- United begin their Premier League campaign away to Hull City on Saturday.
What's Next?
United now have the opportunity to translate the optimism surrounding Carrick's squad into results. Their first opportunity comes at Hull, where Shaw and his teammates will look to make an immediate statement.
Is this Manchester United squad really the most talented Luke Shaw has played in at Old Trafford?
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