Luke Shaw hails the ‘amazing confidence’ of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho to take penalties

Luke Shaw believes the racist abuse of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho after missing penalties in England’s final defeat to Italy at Euro 2020 was on the minds of his Manchester United teammates as they stepped into the spot in the semi-finals of the FA Cup on Sunday. Wembley.

Rashford and Sancho both converted in the shootout as United beat Brighton 7–6 on penalties to secure a place in the Cup Final against Manchester City on 3 June.

Shaw was impressed by the character of both of his teammates at Wembley, where they suffered an embarrassing defeat to the Italians in the European Championship final almost two years ago.

“Huge,” said Shaw, putting England ahead in a game that eventually ended 1-1. “I was standing next to Jadon and I said, “Whatever happens, happens. Just have faith. It’s part of football. These things happen”.

“I think what was going on in their minds might be the things that come with it: the racism and things like that that they went through last time.

Rashford and Sancho scolded online for missing penalties at Euro 2020 final

“I think what was going on in their minds might be the things that come with it: the racism and things like that that they went through last time.

“But they showed incredible confidence to go the extra mile. Because the last time they took one into a gunfight, of course, it was here and the memories of it. But I am very happy that they both moved forward and took very good penalties.

“I’m sure there will be a bit of relief and I think they’ll be very happy that they managed to get one and score.”

United return to the Premier League at Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday evening to move closer to the top four.

Harry Maguire is available again after missing the semi-final through suspension, but Bruno Fernandes is being assessed by United’s medical staff after suffering an ankle injury at Wembley in the first half. Fernandes played through to extra time, but had a limp as he left the ground afterwards.

Arsenal’s Rashford, Sancho and Bukayo Saka were targets of abuse after failing from the spot in England’s embarrassing defeat to the Italians in the European Championship final at Wembley almost two years ago.

Shaw also played in the Europa League final defeat to Villarreal two months earlier in 2021, as United lost on penalties in Gdansk.

After beating Brighton, he added: “I’m really happy. I’ve been involved in two penalties and I was on the losing side both times, so to win one was a big relief for me.’

Despite setting up an FA Cup final against Manchester City on June 3, Shaw admitted that United are still upset about the way they lost to Sevilla in the Europa League on Thursday, as they went 5-2 out.

“We don’t want to be known as the team that comes back after a bad result,” he said. “But we showed character today. I think a lot of people thought we might lose.

Shaw said the team was angry after their exit from the Europa League but came back

It took a shootout to beat Brighton at Wembley and set up a Manchester FA Cup final

“In the dressing room we had the confidence against a very good side. Brighton are a great team, let’s not get that wrong. It was a tough match. But we stayed to the end and got that bit of luck in the shootout that you need.

“It was the biggest week of the season, there was no doubt about that: a huge game in the Europa League and then of course this. It will have determined our season.

“It was in the back of the players’ minds at the start of the week. I think if we take them both out, you’re right about the season (looking different).

“Thursday night was of course not acceptable. Today I think it doesn’t set things right but it puts us in a good place to finish the season well because Champions League is a must for us and a Manchester derby now in the FA Cup final is a great game to be involved in.

“Today was a great game and a huge opportunity to get into another final against a very good side and I think everyone is looking forward to being involved.”

Shaw teamed up with Victor Lindelof in defense for the first time and Man United didn’t budge

Shaw revealed that Erik ten Hag had spoken to him and Lindelof about their role against Brighton

Shaw played alongside Victor Lindelof in central defense in the absence of Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire. Erik ten Hag previously used left-back at centre-back, but this was his first time partnering Lindelof as United kept a clean sheet.

“Of course it’s not easy,” he added. “If it was in a back-three, it’s a little different. But when it’s two, it’s very different, to be honest.

“When I play there I really enjoy it and of course we had a few days (to prepare). The manager talked to me and Victor about it because they are very difficult against a team like Brighton.

“It’s something new, but I love playing there. I like to play football. Winning today was the most important thing.’