Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross is looking forward to facing old club Manchester United in next season's Premiership.

"I'm looking forward to playing against my old friends at United and some of their rivals such as Manchester City and Liverpool," he told The Sentinel.

"I'll enjoy those games, and the other big ones against Arsenal and Chelsea. To be fair, I think I'll enjoy all the games. But the important thing is that it's not about being in awe of the other players - it's about doing a job and getting the points we need.

"I think we showed against Newcastle, when we took the game to them, that we weren't in awe of anyone.

"I don't think the gaffer will let any of us get like that and I'm sure we'll be serious when the whistle goes and firing on all cylinders.

"I think we'll have a really good season and surprise a few people."