Premier League: Manchester United's Luke Shaw claims Thibaut Courtois saved Chelsea

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw believes Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was the difference between the sides in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

The Belgium international denied Robin van Persie with world-class saves either side of the break and also thwarted United's record signing Angel di Maria.

Louis van Gaal's side needed an injury-time goal from van Persie to take a point after Didier Drogba had headed the visitors in front early in the second half.

We had a lot of chances but Thibaut Courtois helped them a lot.

"We had a lot of chances but Thibaut Courtois helped them a lot," said Shaw.

“Robin had a few attempts and I think it might have been Adnan Januzaj who had a shot as well. There were those chances but he's a world-class goallie.

"We've seen what Courtois has done in the past six months, not just for Chelsea but before that (with Atletico Madrid) so we know what his qualities are and he's proved to be a great buy for them.”

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Meanwhile, Courtois was impressed by United's attacking play and the role of his Belgium team-mate Marouane Fellaini.

The midfielder, who has been criticised for his performances following his £27.5million move from Everton, put in a solid display by using his physical presence against Chelsea.

Courtois said he understands why United fans got on Fellaini's back but has backed him to win them over.

He said: "It's normal for some fans to act that way when someone costs a lot of money and is not playing well.

"It's easy to criticise them. That happens not just with him but other players. Obviously last season was not the easiest.

“The team was not doing very well and he's not the kind of player to change the dynamic of the team, but he is an important player. He is very strong in the air when you play long balls to him.

"In the game against West Brom, he made an important goal for United and was very dangerous against us too.”