Luke Shaw has ambitiously declared that Manchester United's aim this season is to win the Premier League.
The Red Devils finished 15th last term with Ruben Amorim taking over from Erik ten Hag partway through the campaign, and priced at 40/1, even the most optimistic supporter would struggle to make the case for United winning a 21st Premier League crown this term.
Most United fans would like to see the club simply make some progress under Amorim in the 2025/25 campaign. Shaw, however, is aiming for the top.
"The aim has to be winning the Premier League," said Shaw. "I know people will be questioning me for saying it after last season but it has to be that and it's not just me that thinks that. I'm sure the whole team if you ask them all have the same aims, even the manager. I'm sure he wouldn't say it in the press but we have to have the same beliefs and ambitions.
United are still reshaping their squad with the arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha the major incomings this summer. When asked if he believes there's the quality in the squad to launch a title challenge, Shaw said: "In my opinion yeah. I think our squad, we do have such a good squad, it's just about unlocking that potential we have and finding ways of all being able to play together and release the potential that I know our team has.
"I see it in training day in, day out, the quality we have. We do it in training but it's time we show it in the games too."
Mbeumo and Cunha bring a new dimension to United's attack, and while further additions are required, Shaw says the pair have been a breath of fresh air.
"It's always nice to have new faces and I know they'll be brilliant signings," said Shaw. "They're going to add a lot to the group not just on the pitch but off the pitch; they're very lively characters.
"I already feel a different vibe in the group from the ones that were here last season, it feels more energised. We know how bad last season was but I think everyone's put that behind us now and is focussed on making the environment as happy and positive as it can be."
One of Amorim's biggest challenges upon arriving at Old Trafford was resetting the culture at the club, and Shaw believes he's well on his way to doing that, while expressing optimism about his own future.
"He's extremely tough on the group," said Shaw. "He leaves no stone unturned and there's no stragglers in this group anymore. Everyone has to put the team first, he's made that very clear.
"He's picking players on who he feels will be best for the team and as players we're fully behind him and his ideas.
"Personally I can't be any worse than I was last season. I was so low last season, I didn't have a pre-season so its really benefitting me, to be fit and train with the team and get minutes
"Last year was awful, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. It was really tough for me but I've got to put that behind me now. My expectations are that I can stay fit and give the manager an option for whatever he may need."
