In the Europa League quarterfinal on Thursday night, Manchester United overcame a two-goal deficit with ten minutes remaining to defeat Lyon 5–4 in what was their biggest victory of the season thus far. The Red Devils were pinned back after the break and lost 4-2 to a Lyon team with just 10 men in extra time after having blown out a 2-0 lead in the first half.
But in the final 10 minutes of extra time, goals from Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Harry Maguire turned the tide of the match, and Ruben Amorim’s team won 5-4 to progress to the semi-finals 7-6 overall. For a group that hasn’t had many events like it lately, it was a fantastic evening.
Throughout, a number of players made an impression; Rio Ferdinand praised Alejandro Garnacho, while United supporters celebrated Maguire on social media. However, not everyone made an impression, and the Old Trafford supporters haven’t held back in their criticism of Luke Shaw since he was substituted into the match at halftime.
Luke Shaw Struggled Against Lyon
United fans have been brutal in their assessment of him
Shaw has had a difficult season thus far. Due to a string of ailments, the full-back has only made a few appearances. He was sidelined for four months until returning this past weekend against Newcastle United. In the Lyon match, he was substituted on at halftime and given a lengthy stint on the pitch, although playing only 12 minutes against the Magpies in a 4-1 loss. He struggled against the Ligue 1 team, though, and things didn’t go as planned.
After a reckless challenge on Malick Fofana in extra time, Shaw was unable to keep up with the Lyon strikers and ultimately conceded a penalty. Even though the Red Devils eventually made a comeback, the club’s supporters continued to post critical evaluations of the left-back on social media after the incident.
Shaw’s performance was criticised by one fan on X (Twitter), who wrote: “The Luke Shaw substitution has been absolutely disastrous.” What a silly, awkward challenge. 2-0 up, 4-2 down. One person criticised the Englishman’s special treatment by United supporters, while another said, “10 men Lyon with 2 goals against 11 men Manchester United.” They wrote: “I’m not sure why, but this fan community treats Luke Shaw with such grace. He is so untrustworthy these days.
As one third advocate put it bluntly, “Luke Shaw, you make me sick to my stomach.” Another admirer said, “Luke Shaw,” incredulous at his performance given the situation. When we need you, you play a few games and are paid your full salary? I’m at a loss for words.
After Shaw’s return, a fifth fan pointed out how quickly he made a mistake, writing: “Luke Shaw returned and cost us a goal immediately.”
Shaw didn’t impress everyone, not just United supporters. Following the match, the French media blasted the defender, calling his performance “catastrophic” for the team. Oh no.
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