FROM BALL BOY TO BIG TALENT THE RISE OF PHIL FODEN SEE PAGES 58-59

LUKE Shaw is refusing to sign a new contract at United until he is convinced the club see him as the long-term answer at left-back.

The 23-year-old has entered the final 12 months of his deal and can leave as a free agent next summer. United are eager to tie him down for another four years, despite him failing to fulfil his potential since becoming the most expensive teenager in history when signing from Southampton for £27m in 2014.

But Shaw is adamant he wants to prove he can be first choice for club and country – and will use the upcoming season to assess if he is likely to achieve those ambitions at Old Trafford. “I don’t think I would want to sign a contract right now because I want to prove to people that I deserve a contract,” he said. “I don’t want a contract because maybe in the next year or so I’m a free agent, so maybe they might look to tie me down for that. I want to sign a contract because I deserve it and the club want me to sign one.” Jose Mourinho has been a vocal critic of Shaw, but has shelved plans to strengthen on the left of his defence to give Shaw the chance to challenge Ashley Young for a regular starting position.

Still, United remain anxious about the possibility of losing such a valuable asset for nothing next summer – and are aware he will not be short of suitors.

SHAW IN HIS OWN WORDS/ P62-63