Luke Shaw has admitted that Manchester United showed Juventus “too much respect” in their 1-0 Champions League defeat on Tuesday night.
The hosts struggled to assert themselves in the Old Trafford clash as the Italian champions set about dominating play.
After the visitors had pulled ahead through a 17-minute strike from Paulo Dybala, United were reduced to chasing shadows as they struggled in vain to find an equaliser.
Jose Mourinho’s men were particularly lacklustre going forward, enjoying just one chance through Paul Pogba, and in the wake of defeat Shaw expressed his frustration at the lack of aggression in his side’s game.
“I think first half we gave them too much respect and we let them play far too easy,” Shaw said. “Second half we tried and like other games we pushed more in the second half.
“At times today we didn’t create too many clear-cut chances. I think first half they had way too much time on the ball and we expected it.
“We should have pressed higher and been more aggressive and that cost us with the goal.”
Valencia’s 1-1 draw at Young Boys earlier in the day softened the blow for United, who remain second in Group H.
United are two points above Valencia and must now ensure they pick up points from their remaining three games to guarantee a qualifying place in the last-16.
Shaw added: “It’s disappointing but at least Valencia didn’t win so we have to make it right when we go to Juve next.”
