Luke Shaw sets Erik ten Hag challenge at Manchester United

Man United defender Luke Shaw is confident the club can make progress under Erik ten Hag this season.

Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw believes everyone has bought into manager Erik ten Hag's philosophy during pre-season ahead of Sunday's Premier League curtain raiser against Brighton.

Ten Hag, who watched his side conclude their pre-season preparations with a 1-1 draw against Spanish side Rayo Vallecano last weekend, will be determined to make a winning start to life in charge in M16. The Dutchman was appointed as manager back in April and has attempted to transform the mood at the club over the summer.

Although summer signings have been few and far between, United have made progress during pre-season, with their performances showing that they have already been given an identity again by the new boss. They produced some slick football on their pre-season tour, providing proof that the players are buying into what Ten Hag expects of them.

And after such a disappointing campaign last time around, Shaw is confident that the club is starting to move in the right direction under the Dutchman. Nevertheless, he has warned that improvements still need to be made.

"I think definitely for the team we're moving in the right direction," Shaw told MUTV. "The manager obviously had to come in and bring in his ideas, his structure, what he wants from the team - as a team and also individuals.

"I think everyone's sort of buying into that and really enjoyed pre-season. Like I said, we've definitely moved in the right direction but we've also got a lot to improve on. We know that, we know we need to get better."

Although United are not expected to be in the conversation for the Premier League title this season, there is an expectation that they can compete for silverware, both domestically and in Europe with the Europa League. The club has not won a trophy since winning the Europa League back in 2017.

Shaw added: "I think, of course, we're always looking for a great start. I think as a team we need to aim high and I think aiming high is to win trophies.

"It's been a while now. Under a new direction, I think it's certainly something we should aim for. We have to aim higher. We have to step the standards up and we have to aim high for what we want to achieve."