Manchester United are one week into their pre-season training and already fans are getting stuck into the footage from Carrington.
Last week saw Manchester United players return to Carrington over two phases, with many international players afforded a few extra days of rest.
But Ruben Amorim now has his full squad available to train ahead of the first pre-season friendly against Leeds United on July 19. Following that, the Red Devils jet out for the pre-season tour of the United States.
Summer signing Matheus Cunha has impressed in training, with the £62.5m arrival looking sharp on the training pitch already.
But fans have also noticed players looking much, much leaner than they have in previous summers, especially when it comes to Luke Shaw.
Man United fans impressed by Luke Shaw transformation
Shaw’s injury record has unfortunately been a big talking point ever since his £31m move to Manchester in 2014.
The now 30-year-old has been in and out of the treatment room every season spent at Old Trafford, but there is no denying he is a brilliant talent when fit.
It is now down to Amorim and his staff to keep Shaw fit, and fans are already impressed with his physique just a few days into pre-season.
After seeing photos of Shaw in training, one fan wrote: “Never seen him this lean”.
Another wrote: “Luke Shaw looking like the 2014 version of himself”.
A third fan claimed: “Amorim changed him for the better”
One fan tipped Shaw to impress at centre-back this season: “I think Shaw really gonna pull it off as LCB this season. Been very good during the adjustment in last season when he plays. And his contract is about to be off so he’s definitely gonna work for that again like before”
Another fan tipped Shaw to impress as a left wing-back in Amorim’s system – “Shaw especially, there’s 0 chance we are gonna be able to sell him so might as well get behind him and just pray for an injury-free season. Seen his potential for England playing at Lwb in the euros final.”
Luke Shaw must prove himself to Ruben Amorim this season
Shaw had a game to forget in the Europa League final, and directly afterwards he hinted that players must decide whether they are good enough to stay at the club – himself included.
Towards the end of the season, Amorim put his faith in Shaw and started him in several games as a left-sided centre-back.
Shaw has stood out as a centre-back, and many believe he is better suited to the position than a physically demanding wing-back role.
But with youngsters such as Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Tyler Fredricson trying to work their way into the starting line-up – and with Lisandro Martinez returning in 2026 – Shaw is not guaranteed a spot.
He, like almost every member of Amorim’s squad, has a lot to prove in 2025/26. But it seems from his physique this summer that he is up to the challenge.
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