UNITED V BURTON

AT times it has seemed like Jose Mourinho is not very good for Luke Shaw - and the United leftback is not very good for the Reds boss.

But they could prove to be just what both have been looking for. Mourinho needs an answer to the ‘No.3’ role that could cause him a headache – and Shaw needs a manager who loves him.

Against Burton Albion in the Carabao Cup at Old Trafford tonight, it could be the start of something good for both as Shaw is set to return from the ligament damage in his foot he suffered last April.

Daley Blind, Matteo Darmian and Ashley Young have all had a crack at playing left-back this season. None have blown their opportunity - or nailed it down.

All are decent short-term fixes. None of the trio appear to be a long-term answer.

Shaw looked like he would be another Denis Irwin, Arthur Albiston or Patrice Evra when he signed from Southampton as an 18-year-old in June 2014.

But he hit problems straight away with Louis van Gaal.

The then United manager’s medical team created a personal fitness programme for the £27m defender because he didn’t believe he was fit enough for the Premier League.

Shaw then suffered a hamstring injury.

LVG’s blunt public rebuke was a shattering blow.

Just when the young defender looked to have won the Dutchman over he suffered that horrific leg break against PSV Eindhoven in Holland League.

By the time Shaw’s long recovery was over, Mourinho had succeeded Van Gaal.

He was the Portuguese’s first choice as the Mourinho era began, but was soon facing more public criticism following an error in United’s defeat at Watford last season.

Then, along with Chris Smalling, he came in for harsh words when the pair declared they were not fit enough to play against Swansea last November.

Mourinho questioned their mentality and unwillingness to play through the pain barrier.

Like Van Gaal before him, on the surface, there appeared to be little evidence of a velvet glove encasing the iron fist where Shaw was concerned.

But Mourinho has proved that tough love is one of his trademark tools.

Shaw will have witnessed how Henrikh Mkhitaryan was given similar treatment, but responded to blossom.

It is Mourinho’s way and he gets in the Champions