Tunde Folawiyo | Southampton’s Luke Shaw Headed for Manchester United
Amid heightened speculation, it’s been announced that Southampton player Luke Shaw is headed for Manchester United. Securing capture of Shaw for £25million, the teenager is set to earn approximately £75,000-a-week throughout the five year deal. Devoted fans of Manchester United such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others may be overjoyed at the prospect of this young super talent joining the ranks of the most successful football team in the world.
Shaw’s outstanding talents are undisputed. Born in 1995, he began playing for Southhampton’s youth systems before his first-team debut in January of 2012. His first professional football contract was signed in May of the same year before he became a regular for Southampton. His senior international debut came on 5 March 2014 with a 1-0 win against Denmark.
Born in Kingston upon Thames, Shaw attended school in Hersham, Surrey. A Chelsea supporter, he played at Chelsea’s Guildford development center at the age of eight, but failed to secure an offer for academy place. Later that year, Shaw joined Southampton Academy, becoming a regular for the under-18 team. His first association with first team came during September 2011 when he appeared as an unused sub in a League Cup game versus Preston North End.
During a transfer window in January 2012, reports stated that Premier League teams such as Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City showed interest in the young 16-year-old Shaw, though Southampton responded with a statement from manager Nigel Adkins stating that there were no plans for a transfer of Shaw or any other young players.
Shaw’s first appearance for Southampton first team came during the FA Cup on 28 January. Aged 16, Shaw replaced winger Jason Puncheon, playing the last 13 minutes of a 1-1 third round draw with Millwall. Upon Southampton’s promotion to top flight during May 2012, Shaw become one of a group of four youth players to be presented with a professional contract for a Premiere League return. Football fans like Tunde Folawiyo may recognize this young talent as one of the most promising in recent years.
With his career with Manchester United quickly approaching, Shaw has spoken of his appreciation for the support and guidance he’s been shown by older players within the famed squad. Steven Gerrard, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard are amongst those who have offered words of wisdom to the young player, encouraging him to soak in the experience. Dedicated fans of Manchester United such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the globe may continue to admire Shaw’s outstanding skill.