Luke Shaw reportedly "fears" his Manchester United career is over, and he's probably right.
Shaw has been frozen out of the first-team by Jose Mourinho, and now appears to be third or fourth-choice left-back. Mourinho has used Daley Blind, Matteo Darmian and Ashley Young in the position this season, and started Axel Tuanzebe as part of a back-three against Swansea City in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening.
Shaw came on as a 87th minute substitute in the 2-0 win.
It wasn't supposed to be like this for the left-back. He arrived at United for £27m from Southampton in 2014, after impressing at the Premier League club under Mauricio Pochettino. Following an underwhelming first season, Shaw began the 2015/16 campaign in great form before suffering a horrific double-leg break against PSV Eindhoven in a Champions League match.
Mourinho barely used the player when he returned to fitness, and has frequently questioned his attitude and professionalism. After his cameo appearance against Swansea, it appears he is potentially preparing for life after Old Trafford.
According to a report in
The Guardian:
- Shaw's relationship with Mourinho is so bad that the player "fears" that his United career is effectively over.
- The United manager is still understood to be unhappy with Shaw's "attitude". However, the 22-year-old feels he has done everything he possibly could to prove himself to Mourinho.
- He is concerned that he won't be given another meaningful chance in the first-team
- The left-back is considering his options, but a permanent move in January is unlikely.
Shaw was one of the most talented young players in the Premier League a few seasons ago, and there's still time for him to turn his career around. However, it seems unlikely to happen at United as long as Mourinho is manager.
