Luke Shaw's latest admission about life at Manchester United suggests his feelings haven't changed much since Ralf Rangnick's arrival.
The left-back spoke candidly whilst on international duty having played in England's win over Switzerland at the weekend. Shaw is one of a number of players whose levels have dipped noticeably since playing a starring role at Euro 2020. United have struggled as a result and face an uphill battle to make next season's Champions League.
Rangnick arrived at Old Trafford in December, but is only in charge until the end of the season leading to a feeling of uncertainty around the club. A player overhaul has been touted with a new manager arriving imminently. Shaw confessed feeling "wanted" was crucial for a player and accepted the poor results achieved by his club made it hard to enjoy his football.
He said: "I think everyone does (need to feel happy), really. It is always important to feel like you are wanted. I think especially here I always feel that. I am not saying I don't at United but especially here, the way things are, I feel wanted and I enjoy my football. A big part of football is the enjoyment.
"Of course, it is hard to enjoy when we are losing and not playing well at club level. We have to face that and, of course, this season it has not been good enough so it is hard to enjoy. We have a lot to improve at the club but I am here with England so the focus is on that."
His comments come almost three months after he slammed the performance of his team following their 1-0 reverse to Wolves, which was Rangnick's first defeat as boss. The Red Devils were second best for much of the contest as they continued to embrace a new way of working.
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Yet Shaw, after highlighting the commitment of his teammates, seemed to challenge the German whom he called upon to impart more of his wisdom on the training pitch. He said: "I think when we step out we need to give 100 per cent. I'm not saying not everyone did, but to win these types of games, we all need to be 100 per cent committed.
"Like I said it is just tough and disappointing. We have time now to refocus, we've got a long training week and maybe the manager can bring some more ideas for what he wants on the pitch."
There has been speculation and leaks from within Old Trafford for much of the season. Some of that has surrounded Rangnick, his methods and some of his coaching appointments. Shaw himself has dismissed those claims, but his latest comments will only have added fuel to the fire that suggests morale on the red half of Manchester is low.
Former Red Devil Paul Parker was less than impressed with the left-back's words, accusing him of taking a "dig" at the club. Parker told Betfred: "Everyone would have seen that as smug and a dig about what’s going on at Manchester United. When you look at his situation then you can come out and say that he’s not playing for United as he hasn’t been consistently good enough. It’s as simple as that."
Shaw has endured a mixed career in Manchester since signing from Southampton in 2014. He has played under three permanent managers, copping public criticism under Jose Mourinho before getting back to his best under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Rangnick has utilised Alex Telles at left-back as well as Shaw - rotating between the pair.
