Luke Shaw 'close to signing new long-term Manchester United deal'

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw is reportedly on the verge of penning a new long-term contract with the 20-time English champions.

The 27-year-old's existing deal at Old Trafford is due to expire in June 2024, with the club recently activating a 12-month extension on his contract, as his previous agreement had been due to expire this summer.

However, the Red Devils are said to be determined to sign the England international to a long-term agreement, with the left-back becoming one of the team's most consistent performers in recent months.

Shaw had a spell out of the first XI earlier this season following two disappointing performances against Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford.

However, the full-back has been a key player since the start of October, and he has now contributed one goal and three assists in 29 appearances for the 20-time English champions this term.

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According to Football Insider, Shaw is now close to signing a new long-deal at Old Trafford, with both parties keen to continue their relationship.

The former Southampton youngster has again been primarily used as a left-back this season, but he has also played as a central defender since the 2022 World Cup.

Shaw has operated in the middle against Nottingham Forest, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Manchester City and Leeds United in the Premier League, while he featured as a centre-back against Barcelona in the Europa League last Thursday due to the absence of Lisandro Martinez through suspension.

The defender recently said that he is glad to have moved on from his difficult start to the season.

"I think obviously not just myself but I think the team in the first two games was nowhere near where we should have been at," Shaw told reporters.

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"It was obviously a very difficult start but I think we've learned from that and we've grown as a team, not just as individuals, but as a team.

"I think now collectively it's showing in our performances and where we're going. Of course, it helps with the manager, he's been really good and has shown a lot of trust in me. My main thing now is to repay that trust with good performances and to help the team as much as possible."

Man United are still competing on four fronts this season, with the team bidding to reach the knockout round of the Europa League at Barcelona's expense.

The Red Devils will take on Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final on Sunday, while they will face West Ham United in the fifth round of the FA Cup on March 1.

Man United are also third in the Premier League table, only five points behind division leaders Arsenal, who have a game in hand.