It’s taken a while but Jose Mourinho has finally been convinced of Luke Shaw’s ability.
Having gone back and forth on whether or not Shaw would be able to fulfill his potential on the left side of Manchester United’s defence, Mourinho has confirmed that the left-back has finally proven his worth.
As recently as October, Shaw was believed to be set for the Old Trafford exit door after he failed to impress during an appearance for the club’s U23s but his hard work and continued professionalism ultimately gave Mourinho no choice but to reward the full-back with an improved contract.
Shaw has had to endure repeated examples of public criticism from Mourinho, continued favouritism of Ashley Young at left-back and the media linking United with a move for Spurs’ Danny Rose but his determination has brought an end to his rift with Mourinho.
“Luke is not about changing my mind, it’s just the evolution or no evolution of his potential,” Mourinho said on Friday afternoon.
“It’s just about that. I know Shaw since he arrived in the Premier League with Southampton and know his potential and quality.
“Could he come in my direction, the way I like my players to be not just on the pitch but during the training week, and he made a big effort.
“He’s been free of minor injuries for a few months which sometimes stops the evolution and I’m really happy. The natural consequence of it is that he will have his contract and he will be a United player for years.”
Last week, Shaw opened up on his difficult relationship with Mourinho and admitted that his manager’s tough love approach may have worked because it motivated him to apply himself in training and when given the opportunity in the first team.
“There have been a lot of things said about me but I’ve just kept my head down and worked hard,” Shaw said during an interview with Stadium Astro. “For me, it was all about proving the manager wrong, it wasn’t about anyone else or what people were saying outside of the club.
“I just ignored it and worked hard to keep motivating myself because I want to stay at this club – it’s the biggest club in the world. I want to be here, playing every week so to turn it around and get that sort of confidence from the manager was really pleasing. It pushes me on even more now.”
