Luke Shaw hails Ruben Amorim for fixing 'toxic environment' at Man Utd as he lifts lid on manager's 'extremely tough' approach

Shaw spent the majority of the 2024-25 campaign on the sidelines due to injuries, but he is now raring to start afresh under Amorim at Old Trafford. The experienced full-back has heaped praise on the United head coach amid the club's pre-season tour of the United States, while lifting the lid on his no-nonsense style.

Speaking to reporters, the English defender said: "It’s not hard to see from the outside what it’s been like. A lot of the time I’ve been here over the last few years, it’s been extremely negative. It can be quite toxic, the environment; it’s not healthy at all. We need an environment that’s healthy, that’s positive, that’s got good energy and happiness.

"I think when you have all those things, you feel free, and you express yourself more on the pitch. Things come together and I think, especially this pre-season, us as a team, I feel like the bond is growing and growing. I feel like in my time here, it’s probably the closest I’ve felt with the squad. I think the atmosphere is really good and extremely positive. Hopefully, that can continue."

Shaw added: "There are no stragglers in this group anymore. His (Amorim’s) mentality, his demands, he’s extremely tough on the group. He leaves no stone unturned. Everyone has to put the team first. He’s made that very clear. He’s picking players on who he feels will be best for the team and that’s his choice.

"As players, we’re fully behind him and fully behind on his ideas and what he wants to implement in the team. We feel like a real team, especially in this pre-season since I’ve been back. The group is so together and that’s something that we need to keep, to make us more of a family and to keep everyone together, driving in the right direction."

The Red Devils are gearing up for their next pre-season friendly outing against Bournemouth in Chicago on Thursday. Amorim's side are due to kick off their new Premier League campaign on August 17, with a blockbuster home game against Arsenal on the cards.