Shaw Can Become The Best

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho insists Luke Shaw has the potential to become a regular first choice in his defence.

Mourinho has rotated regularly at left-back this season as Marcus Rojo started the EFL Cup Final last week, while Daley Blind played there in Saint-Etienne in the previous match.

“In practical terms, we have lots of left-backs," said the boss. "The reality is that Blind, Shaw, Rojo and [Matteo] Darmian can all play left back – but they are different players."

Mourinho did admit that he believes Shaw is the one to watch for the future – despite his limited playing time this campaign.

“I think that, in a couple of years, one of them should become the best of all - because he has all the attributes to be the best – and that’s Luke Shaw,” he said.

“Because of his age, his physicality, his intensity, his aggressiveness and his ability going forward – he can be the best. But to be the best you need to work - you need to work hard and that’s what he’s trying to do.”

The 21-year-old had a promising start to the 2015/16 campaign before suffering a double leg fracture in September which effectively ended his season.

Since signing for United in June 2014, Shaw has made 42 appearances in all competitions, and has the backing of United legend Denis Irwin.

Irwin made 529 appearances for United over 12 years and he believes that fellow left-back Shaw’s chance will come and that he needs to bide his time – especially with such a congested fixture list coming up.

“[Left-back is] a position where it looks very competitive – as is the rest of the team – but this one is the one most people are debating about,” Irwin said in an interview with MUTV.

“At this moment in time, it looks like Luke has to wait for his opportunity – but he’s only a young lad and I’m sure his chance will come.”