My top left-back? It’s a Shaw thing
JOSE MOURINHO has told Luke Shaw he has all the attributes to become Manchester United’s best left-back but needs to work harder on his game.
Shaw has made only one start in the past four months and his absence from the EFL Cup final 18-man squad fuelled rumours Mourinho had lost patience with the £28million defender.
Mourinho has preferred Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo and even the right-footed Matteo Darmian to Shaw in the left-back slot and has made it clear on several occasions he has not been happy with the former Southampton player’s fitness levels following his broken leg last season.
But after responding well to a specific training programme, Shaw, 21, has been recalled to the squad for today’s home clash with Bournemouth with a confidence-lifting message from his manager, who clearly believes he can have a long-term future at the club – if he continues to satisfy his demands on the training pitch.
“In practical terms we have lots of left-backs,” said Mourinho. “It doesn’t look like it but the reality is that Blind, Shaw, Rojo and Darmian can all play at left-back.
“They are different players but the one that should be best of all in a couple of years is Luke, because potentially he should have all the best conditions.
“By age, by physicality, by intensity, by being aggressive going forward, he should be the best. But to be the best you need to work hard. And it’s what he’s trying to do.
“He has improved on the physical side by good dedication, specific work. Now he needs some opportunities to feel alive, he needs minutes on the pitch to show evolution is not just physical but mental.”
Mourinho confirmed Wayne Rooney, who has not played for a month, will also get some action today – either from the start or from the bench – but cannot be certain the United captain will A MESSAGE TO YOU: Mourinho has told Shaw hard work is needed to become the club’s best left-back still be with the club next term. will be. I like players to be happy see Bournemouth staying in the He does not have a problem and not just to be with me Premier League next season. with Everton boss Ronald because I want them with me.” Our destiny is in our own hands. Koeman’s unashamed “come Bournemouth find themselves We have it all to do.” and join us” message, even only four points above the drop Howe took the plaudits for though he dismissed the notion zone after failing to win since masterminding Bournemouth’s of Rooney returning to his December and boss Eddie amazing rise from the bottom of first club as “nonsense”. Howe, left, says the dire League Two. And he says he
But he knows Rooney dip in form is taking its should shoulder the blame for wants much more toll on his youthful their decline in recent weeks. game time and, while complexion. He said: “I’ve always been my not pushing the club’s “When I look in the harshest critic, as a player and record goalscorer out mirror I see someone as a manager. The buck stops of the door, he will not who is ageing,” said the with me first. When you think of stand in his way if he is 39-year-old. the position this club had been unhappy. “It’s not good for your in and these players have been
“Until the end of the season he health, this game. I’ve got a in, it’s not been a bed of roses. is 100 per cent with us,” he said. slightly tired face this time of “That is where you get “Next season I would like him the year – I could do with a little your strength from and to be with us 100 per cent but I bit of sunshine. But I also see I’m more motivated than can’t say 100 per cent that he someone who’s determined. I do I have ever been before.”
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