Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has praised the defensive duo of Paddy McNair and Luke Shaw, following their impressive performances in a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.
Despite falling to a 38th minute Eden Hazard opener, a youthful defensive line – which was without a number of key figures – controlled the attacking threat of Chelsea for the majority of the game. Both Shaw and McNair were called upon in emergencies, and wouldn’t have necessarily been the first choice for Louis van Gaal.
Nevertheless, Rooney, who also had to revert back to a holding position in the midfield with Michael Carrick and Daley Blind ruled out, has praised the 19-year-olds. With Shaw regularly featuring down the left, and McNair confident in providing an attacking presence, Rooney said:
“I thought they were excellent. Obviously Paddy coming up against a good physical player in Drogba and he handled him really well.
“Luke had been out but we know what a good talent he is. He came back today and gave a very good performance as well. I think the two lads will take a lot of confidence from that.”
Shaw has regularly been kept out of the first team by a number of injuries and the ever-improving form of Daley Blind. However, his performance against the league leaders will now leave van Gaal with a tough decision to make.
The Red Devils will be hoping to have the have the services of Blind, Carrick, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo available for a trip to Everton in a week’s time.
Comments.
Loading comments…