The Daily Mail reports that Manchester United have placed left back, Like Shaw, on a specialised fitness regime to enable him return to full fitness. Over the weekend, Jose Mourinho, the Red Devils gaffer, made an astonishing claim that Shaw wasn’t man enough to play, and that he lied about not being 100% fit for the away game at Swansea. Shaw, 22, only just returned from a horrific leg break injury over the summer, and his performances has been criticized by his manager.
This isn’t the first time the defender has been criticised by his manager. Back in September, Shaw was blamed by the Portuguese following the role he played in Watford’s first goal against United, a game his team went on to lose 3-1. Shaw, who wasn’t called up for England duty has been sent to the club physio to regain full fitness.
Players who haven’t been called up for international matches are usually given days off to rest, yet, Shaw and Smalling, who was also accused of running from responsibility by Jose, would get to work with the physiotherapy department as they bid to boost United after the international break.
For much of his Old Trafford career, Shaw hasn’t quite lived up to his early promise he showed at Southampton. Allegations of being stifled under Louis Van Gaal sort of wasted his attacking instincts, and under Jose Mourinho, a loss of confidence and injuries has robbed the fans of seeing him at his devastating best.
Shaw is a left back of the highest potential who has been compared to the likes of Denis Irwin, Stuaurt Pearce and the legendary Ashley Cole. It is yet unclear whether the United hierarchy would be willing to let him go at this stage of his career, but he has to buckle up to show he is worthy of wearing the famous red of the Red Devils. His current deal expires in 2018, and there has been no talk of a renewal though.
By Dave Marshall
