‘Shaw one of the best now Man Utd have Telles’ – Competition has raised left-back’s game, says Chadwick

Luke Shaw has become the best left-back in England, claims Luke Chadwick, with the Manchester United defender considered to have raised his game after facing added competition from Alex Telles.

The Red Devils opted to bolster their ranks at the back during the last transfer window.

A highly-rated Brazilian was snapped up from Porto, with Telles arriving at Old Trafford boasting an impressive track record when it comes to goals and assists.

Shaw has rarely been prolific in those areas, but the 25-year-old can make an impact at both ends of the field.

He has been showing as much this season, with a man who has faced plenty of criticism during his time in Manchester starting to unlock the potential that United always believed he had.

Chadwick believes the presence of Telles has aided that cause, with Shaw no longer a guaranteed starter when fit, and it could be that a regular spot is now nailed down for club and country.

Former Red Devils winger Chadwick told CaughtOffside of a hard-working England international: “Luke Shaw’s level of performance has been great since Telles came into the building and competition for the left-back position will raise both of the players’ game to get into the team and stay there.

“Shaw seems to be the first choice at the moment but knowing Telles is waiting in the wings will keep him on his toes and hopefully keep the consistency he is showing.

“On form it’s hard to think of many better left backs then Luke Shaw, he has all the qualities and ability to get himself in the England squad and really challenge for that position. 

“Injury problems have held him back the last couple of seasons but hopefully that is behind him now and he can really kick on and be the player he is more than capable of becoming.”

Shaw saw another hour of Premier League football against Leeds on Sunday before being replaced by Telles.

United ran riot in that contest, as they secured a 6-2 win, with Daniel James another of those to make the most of his opportunity to catch the eye of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and a global television audience.

Chadwick said of the Wales international, who has been restricted to just four top-flight outings this season: “It was great to see Dan James have such a positive impact.

“It’s the first time we have seen him start for a number of weeks, and again Ole showed his tactical awareness by bringing him in for a game that suited his style down to a tee.

“Once United broke Leeds’ first press there was lots of space for players with pace to drive forward to take the team into the final third and expose Leeds’ back line to create chances.

“James has done this on numerous occasions to great effect, and when there is space for him there aren’t many quicker players when travelling with the ball.

“In hindsight the yellow card was a really poor decision from the referee, it’s not easy to stay on your feet after a forearm to the face!

“What James offers even when not having an attacking threat is superb work-rate and will always put a shift in to help the team.

“It was brilliant to see it all come together for him and topped after with a really good goal which was thoroughly deserved.”

“Like [Anthony] Martial, here’s hoping it will be the confidence booster needed to really kick on in the second half of the season after what has been a tough first half of the season for him at times.”