Luke Shaw is back in a big way – and he’s thanking Jose Mourinho.
The Manchester United left-back is enjoying an extended run in the team. Lining out in the 3-0 win over Stoke City on Monday night was Shaw’s fifth consecutive start, his best run in the side since August 2016.
It’s a remarkable turnaround for a player whose future at Old Trafford seemed bleaker than anyone else just a few months ago. The former Southampton defender became an increasingly peripheral figure at the club last season. In April, Shaw returned to the fray with an encouraging 25-minute substitute appearance against Everton but, while he was applauded by the United supporters, Mourinho was less effusive in his post-match assessment.
“It was his body with my brain. He was in front of me and I was making every decision for him. The communication was possible because we were very close. He cannot play with my brain.”
Mourinho’s comments seemed harsh at the time but they have evidently served to fortify rather than discourage Shaw, who has re-established himself as his manager’s first-choice left-back against the odds.
We call it Red Monday 🔴🔴 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/Ym9QSGDDni
— Luke Shaw (@LukeShaw23) January 16, 2018
Following the victory over Stoke, Shaw reserved particular praise for Mourinho, crediting the Portuguese coach with his newfound confidence and freedom on the pitch.
“The manager has been really good with me and has given me extra confidence,” Shaw told United Review. “He’s just told me to go out and enjoy the games and that’s what I’ve been doing. I’m focused on working really hard for the manager and for the team because I want to keep on playing and hopefully more games will come.”
Last year, reports emerged suggesting that Mourinho’s questions over Shaw’s attitude had led to a complete breakdown in their working relationship, so much so that Shaw feared his United career was over. However, while Shaw’s determination to force himself back into the first-team portrays his own resilient spirit, Mourinho has clearly played a part too.
Shaw’s revelation that Mourinho has been a help and not a hindrance to his progress is at odds with the popular perception of the United boss. That is not to condone some of the instances when Mourinho was openly critical of the player, but Shaw’s subsequent response highlights a more positive side to the coach, one which perhaps does not receive as much attention.
Luke Shaw’s game by numbers vs. Stoke City:
1 key pass
2 shots
2 crosses
90% pass accuracy
100% tackles won
100% dribbles completedBuilding momentum. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/8rHkLgCtvY
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 15, 2018
It should be noted that Shaw’s return to the United line-up is not entirely on merit. Ashley Young’s suspension has paved a way back for the young England international, but he has certainly seized the opportunity to thrust himself back into the reckoning. His improved mental and physical state allowed him to step up to the plate when Mourinho needed him.
“Body-wise and fitness-wise, I probably feel the best I’ve ever felt. Mentally, I feel very strong as well and I’m enjoying my football and it’s now about pushing on and helping the team.”
Mourinho’s man-management with regards to Shaw came under intense scrutiny and deservedly so. However, it’s clear that his ‘tough love’ scheme has worked in the long run, with the player now back fully fit and enjoying football once again. This is more a case of Shaw’s continued work on the training pitch but it has been rewarded by his manager, who once appeared strangely impervious to the 22-year-old’s talents.
Not unlike Jesse Lingard, Shaw is starting to thrive under Mourinho. Considering all Shaw has been through, long may it continue.
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