New deal Lukes a certainty
FROM BACK PAGE
month, which would be a relief for the Reds board, with Shaw’s current deal expiring at the end of the season.
Mourinho singled out Shaw for criticism last season and was reluctant to offer him a regular firstteam place.
But the left-back’s recent form has brought praise from Mourinho, with many arguing he has been United’s player of the campaign so far.
There has been much criticism of the Old Trafford hierarchy, with 11 senior players out of contract next summer.
They include David De Gea, Anthony Martial and Juan Mata, though the first two have an option for a further year in their current contracts.
Negotiations with regular first-teamers such as Ander Herrera, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Ashley Young must be concluded before the new year or United risk them signing pre-contract agreements elsewhere.
With the Shaw deal close, the Reds are keen to announce some better news as the club enters a crucial spell which will define Mourinho’s continuing tenure at Old Trafford.