Robbie Walls
Luke Shaw has insisted that Manchester United fancy their chances in the title race, ahead of their high profile clash with Arsenal on Saturday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side had a brief spell atop the table in recent weeks after an excellent run of form, before neighbours Manchester City usurped them at the summit in what’s been a season full of twists and turns in the title race.
United’s strong unbeaten run came to an end in midweek as they suffered a shock defeat at home to bottom side Sheffield United, meaning they are now a point behind Pep Guardiola’s side, albeit after having played a game more.
The Red Devils have a chance to quickly bounce back against a resurgent Gunners side at the weekend, although it will be no easy task with United having yet to beat Arsenal in the Premier League under Solskjaer.
One man who is likely to start at the Emirates is full-back Luke Shaw, the Englishman having been in superb form of late and put in a particularly impressive display away at Anfield a few weeks ago.
The 25-year-old has made great strides after a difficult few years on a personal note and has become a key part of a United side that is aiming to clinch a first league title since 2013.
While there is still a long way to go with only half the season played thus far, Shaw insisted that there is a real belief among the players that it could well be their year, with the game against Mikel Arteta’s side a chance to further illustrate their title credentials.
“It’s nice to be up there and pushing for the number one place,” Shaw told manunited.com.
“When I first came here, United was known for always winning trophies and challenging [for the title]. We haven’t really been able to do that but the confidence and belief is definitely different from what it used to be when I came here.
“I think there’s a different sort of aura around the place and I feel like we all believe and we all want to win the title.
“After Wednesday night, what more would you want than Arsenal away, we know how big this game is. The disappointment has gone and now we look forward to this one to put things right. After a bad result you want a game as quickly as possible. It’s a massive game and if we go and win it we can completely forget about what happened at home against Sheffield United and focus on what’s to come.
“Arsenal are a very good team with an excellent manager and you can tell in the way they set up and the way they play that they’re very good with the ball, but they’ve always been like that. We always know, especially at Arsenal, in the first 15 or 20 minutes you have to arrive in the game and be bright and start well. If not, we could be in big trouble, like we have been in the past against them.
“It’s a very big game and we’ve got all the confidence and belief in ourselves at the moment. We need to take that into the game.”
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