Luke Shaw hits back at critics who labelled him fat

Luke Shaw hits back at critics who labelled him fat

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has slammed the criticism that he has endured over his conditioning, insisting he is not fat and knows his own body.

The 22-year-old has had a tough life at Old Trafford since his transfer back in 2014, struggling to nail down a starting role under both Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho.

There have been various rumours about whether Shaw will remain at United beyond the summer, with him entering into the final 12 months of his contract and Mourinho known to be in the market for a new left-back.


But Shaw has insisted he wants to fight for his place in the team and earn a new contract, whilst also hitting back at critics who have labelled him as unfit since his move to United.

“Of course people can say I’m fat, but I know my own body,” said Shaw.

“I always look big because I’m bigger built and I have, you could say, a Wayne Rooney type of body.

“I guess you’ve just got to take it, because there’s always going to be negative criticism and positive (words), but both of them can make you stronger.

“The first season when I came, I didn’t realise how big a step up it was. I was doing work, but I didn’t realise I needed to push it a bit more.

“I think I’ve been unlucky because I’ve had a few ups and downs with different managers and sometimes people don’t think I’m as fit as I am.

“I would say I have never been out of shape.

“I feel really good and I am raring to go. The minutes (in pre-season matches) are only going to help me become fitter.”

Manager Jose Mourinho has often criticised Shaw, especially last season. It seemed almost certain that the England international would be on his way out of the club, but he revealed the Portuguese texted him while he trained in Dubai over summer.

“It was a breath of fresh air when he texted me,” said Shaw. “I wasn’t expecting it.

“I spoke to him and it was really positive. It made me feel confident about the upcoming season.”

Shaw is now working towards earning a new contract at the club, saying: “You don’t want to be in this situation (last year of a deal) but I know I have got the quality to become a (regular) Manchester United player.

“I want to earn a contract. I don’t want a contract because, in the next year I’m a free agent, so they might look to tie me down.

“I know the club believe me. If they really wanted to, they could’ve cashed in. I’m going to fight for it this year and I want to be in that starting team.”
[Quotes via Sky Sports]