The Argentinian forward became a divisive character during his final campaign at the club, and recently confessed to having regrets about the nature of his departure. Yet there was little warmth shown between his former United team-mates on the night. Shaw shared images on social media, with the first photograph showing him bundling Garnacho to the floor. The England international accompanied the post with the caption: “Important win [flexed bicep emoji].”
The post attracted considerable attention from current United players, with skipper Fernandes responding with a GIF that read: “That’s a violation.” The comment had accumulated 77,000 likes within just seven hours of the post going live.
United supporters flooded the comments section, revelling in Shaw’s post. YouTuber Angry Ginge wrote: “Who’s that t*** from Argentina?” and Shaw left little doubt about his sentiments by liking the remark, while other stars also weighed in on the picture.
Matheus Cunha, who netted the decisive goal in the 43rd minute, wrote: “My duo.” Reds youngsters Tyler Fletcher and Shea Lacey both responded with laughing emojis. United require just two victories to secure their return to the Champions League next season, and interim manager Michael Carrick was full of satisfaction following the result.
“They’re the moments we live for really, that’s why we’re in it,” he said. “For big games, important games, big performances.
“And then for the supporters to feel it, it gives me a lot of satisfaction when I can be part of that and see all the people enjoying it so much. That’s the beauty of football and the pure form of it.
“It was an important win for us tonight in different ways, coming through the suspensions and the injuries, Lenny pulling out quite late and having to adapt. The boys take so much credit for that.
“And the coaches in terms of putting the plan together and adapting over the last couple of days. There’s a lot of things to be proud of tonight.
“We can play a little bit better at times, but I thought it was a game for a result and we managed to find it.”