Criticism From Manchester United Legend Makes Shaw Look Better

JAKARTA - Luke Shaw said Roy Keane's criticism was correct following his performance in Manchester's Derby defeat against Manchester City. He acknowledged that the criticism from the former Manchester United captain was still painful.

Keane said Shaw had escaped sentences for years after the England defender was guilty of two goals in the 0-3 defeat at the Etihad Stadium.

However, the scathing criticism actually made the defender develop. Shaw showed a much better performance in a 2-1 win over Chelsea on Saturday, September 20, 2025, playing a role in creating an assist for Casemiro for the Red Devils' second goal.

The 30-year-old admits that he is not doing well against Manchester City and says that as one of Manchester United's most experienced players, he should be more consistent.

"I think sometimes you should accept it," Shaw said when asked about Keane's criticism.

"He has a lot of experience. He's one of Manchester United's best captains of all time. Of course it hurts."

"I think criticism is part of being a football player. I listen to it. But, for me, I think he's right."

"I thought last week, I wasn't at my level at all. I don't need Roy Keane to tell me".

"I think after the game, I know that. I know that, but of course it hurts. I'm not getting younger now and I have to be consistent."

"I've experienced a lot of ups and downs, but for me now, what's important is to keep that consistency at a high level. I know I can do it," he said again.

Shaw let Jeremy Doku run through him before giving Phil Foden a cross that scored in the Manchester Derby defeat.

Then he failed to fight with Erling Haaland who changed the score to 2-0 for Manchester City right after the first half ended.

Speaking at Sky Sports after the game, Keane did not hesitate in assessing Shaw's performance and highlighted his record injury at the club since moving from Southampton in 2014.

"I think Shaw has escaped severe sentences over the years at Manchester United. Always injured, never really fit."

"We were looking for excuses, then he had played several times, then he made a decision as if he didn't even want to tackle other players," said Keane.

Shaw has been in a frustrating two years at Manchester United after a long absence from a series of injuries.

However, after full pre-season, he has always started in five league games this season, playing centre-left defender in Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 system.

"The most important thing is to know how good I am. The manager knows that. I think the managers who have played with me also know that."

"I'm not in the first team. I'm always in the first team and always playing, so there must be something the managers believe in."

"Last week really hurt me because it wasn't my level. I think that's what people understand the criticism."

"However, as I said, I accept it, listen, then continue," Shaw said.