Luke Shaw speaks about Amorim’s methods to build team culture as he seeks to cut “toxic” and “unhealthy” environment.
Luke Shaw, a defender for Manchester United, has supported head coach Ruben Amorim’s tough-minded strategy to change the team’s “toxic” and “unhealthy” culture.
Following United’s loss to Tottenham in the Europa League final in May, Shaw questioned whether he and his teammates were talented enough to play for the team. Former captain Gary Neville criticised Shaw’s remarks.
In hindsight, Shaw claimed that his damning evaluation was brought on by a combination of the pain he was experiencing at the time, when his mind was still “hot” from trying to process the devastating loss that denied United any chance of qualifying for Europe following their appalling 15th-place Premier League finish.
In response to the defeat, Amorim decided to improve the dressing room environment while also benching five senior players, including Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford.
“It’s not hard to see from the outside what it’s been like,” said Shaw.
“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. When you have all those things, you feel free and you express yourself more.
“Ruben brings demands. Mentality is a big thing. He talks a lot about it.
“He demands 100% and doesn’t want anything less. If someone’s doing 85-90%, it’s not enough. I think, especially this year, if you’re not doing the right things, you won’t play.”
Shaw, 30, says the message must be reinforced by United’s senior players, including himself.
“The more experienced ones need to be demanding more, day in, day out,” he said.
“The levels in training, keeping to the times of when we’re doing this or that, making sure no-one’s coming late.
“The manager’s not bothered. He doesn’t care who the player is. That’s how it should be. Whatever he wants, as players, we have to be delivering – and we are fully behind that.”