Ruben Amorim right to change Man United’s ‘toxic’ culture, says Luke Shaw

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has backed head coach Ruben Amorim to change the club’s toxic culture. Shaw said the Portuguese manager has the right mentality, which would help the Old Trafford-based club to turn their fortunes.

United had a horrible run in the previous season as they managed only 11 wins in 38 matches, finishing in 15th place, which is their worst ever season in last 50 years.

“The mentality is a big thing on his lips,” Shaw said.

“I think he talks a lot about it. Ruben demands 100% and that’s it and he doesn’t want anything less. If someone’s doing 85 or 90%, it’s not enough for him. I think, especially this year, if you’re not doing the right things, I feel like you won’t play.

“It’s not hard to see from the outside what it’s been like. A lot of the time I’ve been here over the last few years it’s been extremely negative. It can be quite toxic, the environment, it’s not healthy at all.

“We need an environment that’s healthy, that’s positive, that’s got good energy and happiness.”

United has made new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo during the off-season. Furthermore, players like Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia were not included on the preseason tour of America by Amorim.

“There are no stragglers in this group any more,” Shaw said.

“I think you’ve seen what he’s done in the past eight months with different players and things like that, he doesn’t care who the player is.

“I think if he’s not following what he wants, then that’s how it should be, and I think rightly so.

“His mentality, his demands, he’s extremely tough on the group. Everyone has to put the team first. He’s made that very clear. As players we’re fully behind him and fully behind on his ideas and what he wants to implement in the team.

“I feel like at the end of the day, the manager has to do that because he’s going to be the one that his job is always on the line.”

United will take on Bournemouth on Wednesday in a friendly.