Erik ten Hag might have discovered his next Manchester United captain after Brighton defeat
If any aspiring footballer wants a role model to look up to, Luke Shaw is the perfect case study.
The defender, just 20 minutes or so after being guilty of throwing away what would have been a precious point for Manchester United at the Amex Stadium on Thursday night, stepped up and accepted full responsibility for his error. He was guilty of having raised a hand inside the penalty area, resulting in a Brighton & Hove Albion cross striking it and a spot-kick being awarded deep into injury time.
It was unfortunate that Shaw, who has been excellent this season, was the man that gave the penalty away, having performed so admirably as a makeshift centre-back once again. He was United's best player on the pitch and would have most certainly been credited for playing his part in helping the Reds chalk up a 16th Premier League clean sheet of the season.
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But instead of choosing to hide inside the dressing room, maintaining a low profile, possibly wondering if there was an exit where he could sneak out of the Amex Stadium, Shaw stepped up to conduct a post-match interview with the rights holders. Once again, he was as honest as the day is long.
"It hurts a lot," Shaw told Sky Sports. "It was the last minute, the last action, really, I think.
"I got a little nudge but, of course, the hand shouldn't be there, I own up to it and take it on the chin. I cost us the game and it's tough. I can't even explain why my hand is up there. Of course, I said I got a nudge and maybe that helped my arm go up, but it still shouldn't be there.
"I put my hands up and it was a silly mistake that cost us a point at the end."
Shaw stepped forward and accepted full responsibility