Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has opened up about what truly goes on behind the scenes in the dressing room on matchdays, offering supporters a rare look into his pre-game rituals and the team’s preparations.

In a detailed interview with the club’s media team, Shaw walked fans through his entire matchday schedule — from waking up in the morning to the post-match recovery process. He admitted that he usually wakes up feeling a mix of nerves and excitement — nerves driven by his hunger to win and excitement from doing what he loves. The left-back shared that this positive energy has been a constant motivator throughout his 12-year journey with the club.

When asked about his pre-match meal, Shaw explained, “It varies. Sometimes it depends on what time the game kicks off. If it’s an evening fixture, I’ll usually go for pasta with pesto and chicken.”

He added that the mood among the players before a game is typically light-hearted and relaxed. “To be fair, it’s quite chilled. We usually arrive about three-and-a-half hours before kick-off, so there’s a relaxed vibe when we get there. Everyone’s chatting normally. The focus sharpens after our short meeting at Carrington before we leave, and once we’re on the bus, that’s when the mindset changes.”

Reflecting on the feeling of playing at Old Trafford, Shaw described it as a safe haven, strengthened by years of performing in front of the home crowd. “Yes, definitely. Knowing we’re at home with 70,000 fans behind us gives us so much energy. Their passion really drives us on, and it’s something that has helped us in so many matches. We’re extremely lucky to call Old Trafford our home. It’s a special privilege.”

He went on to praise United’s global fanbase, saying, “It’s unbelievable and shows how much support we have. They’re the best fans in the world. Whether home or away, they’re always there, pushing us forward. Even the fans who turn up early just to see us get off the bus — it’s a special feeling and a real honour to play for this club.”

Explaining what happens when the players arrive at the stadium, Shaw said, “We get off the bus, head into the changing room, and take a few minutes to sort our gear. Then the manager gathers us for a brief meeting to go over final details. After that, it’s all about getting ready for the warm-up.”

He described his own preparation routine: “I always follow the same steps. I start with a massage on the beds, then move to another area with a mat where I do my foam rolling and stretches. It’s quite a long process. If time allows, I’ll also do a last-minute stretch with one of the physios. Once that’s done, I’m ready for the warm-up.”

Shaw mentioned that he usually sits next to Noussair Mazraoui and Harry Maguire in the dressing room. He also revealed that a bell is rung to signal the start of warm-ups. Before heading out, he sprays Deep Heat on his muscles to activate them, then joins his teammates and staff in a pre-match huddle.

“Everyone takes part in the huddle,” he explained. “It’s not just about the starting XI. It includes everyone — the substitutes, the staff, even those not in the matchday squad. We’re all united with one goal: to win the game.”

Describing the feeling of walking out at a packed Old Trafford, Shaw said, “It’s indescribable. You realise how lucky you are to represent this club. Even when I drive past the stadium at night, I often think about how fortunate we are. Millions of people would love to be in my position. It’s a privilege I never take for granted, and that feeling never fades.”

He added, “The fans are incredible — at home and away. The atmosphere at Old Trafford is always electric, especially this season with the flags and displays. Their passion and energy flow through us and give us a real boost on the pitch.”

The England international also spoke about the heightened intensity of rivalry matches against clubs such as Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City. He highlighted the home victory over Manchester City earlier in the season as “one of the best atmospheres” he has ever experienced at the Theatre of Dreams.

While Shaw’s family and friends often attend games, he said he avoids contact with them before matches to maintain focus. “It’s only after the final whistle that I’ll acknowledge them,” he said.

When asked about his post-match routine, Shaw shared, “After the game, I usually get a recovery massage. Sometimes I’ll take an ice bath, then head home. My evenings now are quite different from five or ten years ago — I’ve got a busy house with four kids, so I just spend time playing with them. Going home after a good win and celebrating with my family is really special.”

And on Saturday evenings, he confessed that he never misses ‘Match of the Day’, where he replays United’s match and checks on the rest of the weekend’s action.