Manchester United defender Luke Shaw says he is relishing the prospect of playing against Chelsea for the first time as a United player on Sunday at Old Trafford.

Shaw’s impressive form for Southampton last season saw him moving to Manchester United this summer in a £27m deal, while Chelsea, his boy hood club, were also reportedly interested in his signature. 

The youngster was born in Kingston-Upon-Thames, a mere seven miles from Stamford Bridge, and has time and again expressed his soft sport for Chelsea in the past. He used to visit Stamford Bridge regularly as a kid and says playing against the Blues is a big thing in his family. 

“Playing against Chelsea is a big thing in my family and among my friends because I was born around that area of London,” Shaw told Inside United. “I used to watch them when I was younger, which is something I’m sure people know by now.

“When I first played at Stamford Bridge with Southampton it was a bit of a surreal experience in a lot of ways because it was at a ground I’d visited as a kid.

“But playing against Chelsea with United at Old Trafford is a different proposition altogether. I’m really looking forward to it, especially with how big this fixture is. Everyone knows that United-Chelsea games are massive, so it’s something I’m really looking forward to.”

Shaw further added that Chelsea-United rivalry is one of the biggest matches in England and in the world as well and he is looking forward to be playing a part in it.

Manchester United are lying 6th in table with 12 points, 10 points behind league leaders Chelsea. Louis van Gaal, the United manager is still hopeful of a title challenge, but for that to happen, they need to reduce the gap on Sunday.