Whatabbouttery is a stupid game but it’s one that Luke Shaw has decided to play, using Arsenal’s awfulness to demonstrate Manchester United aren’t that bad, they’re just picked on.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Luke Shaw of Manchester United in action during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Luke Shaw of Manchester United in action during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on January 01, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

“The manager can’t keep defending us,” Shaw told the Mail on Sunday. “We’re the ones who need to shoulder the blame and start performing on the pitch. This is Manchester United. You know why you’re here.”

“‘Everyone is watching, everyone wants to have a go when you lose. It’s part and parcel of playing for United. No disrespect to Arsenal because I think they are a fantastic club but they’re not having the greatest season and it hardly gets mentioned. I find it funny that if it’s United, everyone criticises.”

“We know when we haven’t been good enough. We’re here to take this club back to where it belongs — winning trophies and challenging for titles. There are a lot of good days to come.”

Well now, Luke, do you not read? Can you not read? Do you have trouble understanding words? Do you not watch TV? Sky Sports? BT Sports? The BBC? Arsenal being rubbish has been consistent theme in nearly all media coverage for at least seven years.

That being said, we are all guilty of exactly what Luke Shaw has done here. We all see the criticism aimed at the club we support but manage to miss the stuff aimed at others.

Still, it is quite something to live in this world and think that Arsenal being rubbish hardly gets mentioned. I mean…

Daily Telegraph, 25 November 2019
‘Confused’ players turn on Emery after losing faith in Arsenal coach – Daily Telegraph, 25 November 2019

United are currently four points ahead of Arsenal who have endured one of their worst starts to a season in their history under Unai Emery.