Luke Shaw is having plenty fun while away with England and now the transfer window is open, spending the last couple of days toying with Man United fans and the media over who he’s been speaking to about potentially joining the club next season.
The Three Lions face off against North Macedonia at Old Trafford on Monday night and have been training down the road at United’s Carrington Training Complex for the past few days, during which time Luke Shaw looks to have had plenty of opportunity to show some of his national teammates around.
Shaw posted a suggestive little pair of pictures to his Instagram story on Saturday, posing for photos with Harry Kane and Declan Rice, along with an equally loaded emoji that has got fans hoping.
Understandably, a lot of Reds have now dubbed his ‘Agent Shaw’ and are keeping everything crossed.
Now, obviously, this is all a bit of tongue-in-cheek from the full-back, however, it’s no secret that both Kane and Rice are not only two of the most in-demand players in the Premier League and both expected to leave this summer, but they have been high up on United’s shortlist for some time now.
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Speaking to The Guardian, the 27-year-old confessed, ‘I can’t lie, I’d love a few of them to come to United’, adding that he, his teammates and manager Erik ten Hag would snap up the likes of Harry and Declan Rice “in a heartbeat”.
He did joke that “there’s a few” he’s been tapping up for a move — the reporter asking rumoured target Mason Mount was among them — but confessed it’s mainly just “a bit of banter” and the majority obviously have very little knowledge of what’s going on behind the scenes.
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On the other hand, he didn’t plead complete ignorance, going on to admit, “I can’t lie, I’d love a few of them to come to United… I am speaking to them and telling them how good Manchester is because I know their qualities. They’re world-class players and they’d add massive strength to us.”
🗣️ Reporter: "Luke [Shaw], who have you been tapping up then? Mason Mount?" 👀 pic.twitter.com/5RMfRW68U2
As for Shaw himself, having used the competition in his position to motivate and recement his place as the first-choice left-back, he told BBC Sport that he believes head coach ten Hag has “taken [him] to a new level… pushing [him] every day” and that he aims to improve even more next season.
For now though, Shaw and the players whose club future might be up in the air have to focus on international duty and making sure they qualify for Euro 2024 in Germany.
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England face off against North Macedonia at 7:45pm tonight and United fans will be hoping it isn’t the last time they see a few more of these players walk out at Old Trafford as part of the home side.
You can watch Luke Shaw and manager Gareth Southgate‘s press conference in full down below:
Featured Image — Beanyman Sports (via YouTube)/Luke Shaw (via Instagram)
Sport
Alex Sanderson summons Rudyard Kipling as Sale Sharks scrape into the semi-finals
Danny Jones
Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson referenced the famous Rudyard Kipling after Sale Sharks managed to book their place in the playoffs of this year’s Gallagher Premiership following a nail-biter of a fixture against Exeter Chiefs.
The Sharks sealed their spot in the semi-finals with a 30-26 win over the Chiefs on Saturday night, with a trio of tries, a singular pen and calmness when it came to conversions proving just enough to make it to full time.
Speaking on the narrow score at Sandy Park, Sanderson himself applauded that same composure during his post-match duties, casually quoting Kipling ahead of the next big game.
Writing on social media after nerves had just about settled, the club simply said: “Apologies for raising the heart rate, Sharks Family… but Saturday we go again.”
Beginning with an expression of that same defiant spirit that has seen them across the line on so many occasions, the 45-year-old told TNT Sports, “We got another Monday in us.”
The Sale Sharks coach went on to add: “So if you can keep your head, when everybody else is losing theirs – I think that’s the old Rudyard Kipling poem – you’re in such a better place on the back of that, knowing what we can fix from the Leicester game and what we can do better from today.”
It’s not every day you hear sportsmen calling up the poetic words of the beloved British-India writer, but it certainly impressed plenty of supporters, though Sanderson has always been popular among fans for his candour and charisma in interviews.
Ultimately, it was Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, Bevan Rodd, Luke Cowan-Dickie and George Ford that the Greater Manchester outfit had to thank for the electrifying finish
You can see how much it meant, clear as day…
Not done yet…
Thank you for your support Sharks Family, it’s truly appreciated!
Sale Sharks will now take on Leicester Tigers (who the local side finished just behind in third place following the result against the Chiefs) in the Premiership semis as they look to get revenge for previous painful meetings
Are you feeling hopeful, Sharks Family?
You can see the full highlights from Sale Sharks’ tense victory over the Exeter Chiefs down below.
Alex Sanderson channelled Rudyard Kipling and Sale scrapped like true Sharks.
Luxury Manchester gym Blok confirms permanent closure after weeks of uncertainty
Daisy Jackson
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure, weeks after the doors to the premium fitness facility mysteriously closed.
Around a fortnight ago, members began to arrive to their classes to find the gym on Ducie Street locked up and a forfeiture notice on the door – but at the time, Blok said that it was fighting to reopen.
Sadly, in an email sent to members today, its founder has confirmed that the studio is now permanently closed.
Blok – which has several very successful sites down in London – said that its relationship with its landlord has ‘broken down to a point where trust has been lost’.
The gym wrote that it’s been left with ‘no workable way forward’.
They said: “BLOK Manchester was a space built by our loyal and dedicated community. Whether you joined us for one class or one hundred, we are deeply grateful. You helped create something genuinely special in an incredible city.”
In the immediate future, they said they’ll be supporting the team of fantastic trainers who worked here, as well as looking after members.
Members will be contacted within a few hours with options and refunds owed.
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure. Credit: The Manc Group
CEO and founder Ed Stanbury said: “While this marks the end of a chapter, we don’t see it as the end of our story in Manchester. We’re already speaking with developers about potential future sites and remain committed to returning to the city when the time is right.
“Thank you for being part of our story so far. Let’s shape the future of wellness. The mission continues.”
Commenting on Blok’s Instagram post – its first in almost a fortnight – people have been sharing their sadness at the closure of its Manchester site.
One person wrote: “beautiful space, beautiful staff and beautiful community.”
Another said: “Sending love to all the instructors !! :(((( gutted”
Someone else commented: “THE BEST CLASSES. I’m gutted.”
Danny Jones -
19th June 2023 
