Luke Shaw insists Erik ten Hag's demanding style has helped the defender enjoy one of his best seasons at Manchester United.
Shaw has been one of United's most consistent players this term, registering 47 appearances across all competitions and chipping in with a goal and six assists. The 27-year-old has been a steady presence at full back, but also impressed massively when moving centrally to cover for Lisandro Martinez, with Ten Hag often preferring him to club captain Harry Maguire.
A brilliant season earned Shaw a new long-term contract in April, with the England international committing the next four years of his career to the Reds.
“I'm not sure, really,” Shaw replied when asked if his new contract catalysed recent form. “I think I've been settled there for a long time now. Of course this season, the manager has definitely helped me.
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"I think he's taken me onto a new level, pushing me every day and definitely that's what I need and want. I want to keep on improving, keep on getting better as I still think I can and push myself to an even higher level. With the people around me and the coaches I have, I feel like I can do that.”
The June international break has brought with it an unusual environment in which players are representing their countries while also negotiating transfers. United have been linked with several of Gareth Southgate's squad - namely Harry Kane, Mason Mount and Declan Rice - and Shaw laughed when asked if he had been 'tapping up' any potential targets.
"Obviously we have a joke and a laugh about it," he said. " I'm not too sure what goes on behind the scenes. It's to do with the club really but of course, when we're here and always together we have a joke about it but like I said, I don't really know too much what's going on so that's it really."
Shaw could make his 56th appearance of the season for club and country when England host North Macedonia at Old Trafford on Monday.
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