‘Biggest one’ – Luke Shaw explains key reason Michael Carrick has been huge success

Luke Shaw has detailed the instant impact made by Michael Carrick as Manchester United made it four straight Premier League wins.

The England international hailed the influence of the Red Devils interim manager following the club’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham.

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Shaw, who has started all of Man United’s 25 Premier League games this season, has reverted to his natural left-back position under Carrick.

The 30-year-old, who was playing as a left-sided centre-back in Ruben Amorim‘s era, was again influential as his side downed Spurs.

“Very positive,” Shaw told talkSPORT’s Sam Matterface at Old Trafford post-match. “Really happy, in the changing room, the mood’s really good.

“It’s not time for celebration. It’s time to keep focused, recover quickly and get ready for another massive game on Tuesday night.”

Carrick ‘knows exactly what’s needed to win’

Man United last recorded four straight top-flight wins in February 2024 under Erik ten Hag, having never done so with Amorim.

Carrick has already made a key change to the club’s training schedule since taking charge, but Shaw revealed his main improvements have been as a man-manager rather than through tactical work.

“He’s made lots of differences,” Shaw added.

“But for me, the biggest one is he knows the club, and he knows exactly what’s needed to win football matches, to make everyone happy and to enjoy what we’re doing.

“He’s, of course, won a lot when he was here as a player. So he understands the club, and I think that’s the biggest thing for me.

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“He knows how to get the best out of the players, and he’s really doing that,” Shaw continued.

“Of course, winning football matches is always going to make everyone feel better, and the confidence is at a real high.

“We can’t take our foot off the pedal. We just have to keep going and keep pushing each other.”

Shaw was then asked whether he was referring to embracing the culture of the club or restoring United’s traditional style of play.

The England international responded: “No, everything, it’s everything.

“Of course, the culture is extremely important, and day in, day out, how we are as a team, how the mentality is, how the focus is.

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Man United showing ‘real togetherness’

“How we push each other day in day out, that’s one thing Carrick has brought it, and I think everyone’s just really enjoying themselves at the moment.

“You see how important not just the starting 11 are, it’s the ones that are coming off the bench as well, making an impact.

“Even when we score in the celebrations, it’s not just the players on the pitch. It’s the ones on the bench that are running around and celebrating, too. And I think that shows a real togetherness.

“And I think when we’re together like that, it’s a real strong bond, and we go out on the pitch and we all fight for each other and everyone’s really together, and of course it always helps.”