Manchester United environment ‘toxic, extremely negative, not healthy’ in recent years, says Luke Shaw as Ruben Amorim key focus revealed – watch clip

The Red Devils have suffered an alarming decline in recent years, culminating in their lowest finish for 51 years last season.

Shaw, speaking during the club’s pre-season tour of the USA, said: “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. I think when you have all those things, you feel free and you express yourself more on the pitch. Things come together and, especially this pre-season, I feel like us as a team, the bond is growing and growing.

“I feel like in my time here, it’s probably the closest I’ve felt with the squad. I think the atmosphere is really good and extremely positive. Hopefully, that can continue.”

United are also reportedly looking to offload Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho, and Shaw backed Ruben Amorim in his attempt to cut the squad.

He continued: “The manager has to [take action] because at the end of the day, he’s going to be the one that has his job always on the line.

“He wants to come in and do exactly what he wants because he’s always the one who’s on the end of the stick.

“He wants to come in and do things his own way and stamp his own authority on the club. I think that’s the only way you can do it, especially at Man United.”

Amorim delivered a series of honest post-match interviews throughout the past season, highlighting his side’s deficiencies.

And Shaw has given his support to that approach.

“I think we need to just all up the level of demands. That’s what I think Ruben definitely brings in, is the demands. Especially the mentality,” Shaw added.

“The mentality is a big thing on his lips, really. I think he talks a lot about it. Especially in day-to-day things, with the training. Ruben demands 100% and that’s it, and he doesn’t want anything less.

“If someone’s doing 85-90%, 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.

“And he’s not bothered. I think you’ve seen what he’s done in the past eight months with different players. 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 rightly so.

“Whatever the manager wants, us as players, we have to be delivering that. So, yes, we’re fully behind that.”

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