Manchester United kicked off the Jose Mourinho era with what can be regarded as a successful season, despite them finishing out of the top-four positions in the Premier League. The Red Devils may have ended up in the sixth place in the English top flight, but still managed to secure Champions League football, thanks to their UEFA Europa League triumph. Add to that their EFL Cup success in February and the Community Shield win at the start of the season, it was a strong start to Mourinho’s reign.
However, there is no doubting the fact that there is a lot of work to be done if United are to challenge the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur etc., for a shot at the Premier League crown. This summer transfer window is of paramount importance for the club, as their business in the coming two months may well decide the course the club’s fortunes will take next season.
One key issue that Mourinho will need to address ahead of the upcoming campaign is the uncertainty surrounding the future of young left-back Luke Shaw. The 21-year old arrived at United amid much fanfare following a breakthrough year at Southampton three years ago, but his career has stalled since the switch to the M-16.
The youngster was subjected to a lot of criticism and finger-pointing by the controversial Mourinho over the course of the season, which has cast dark clouds over his future with the Red Devils. With no shortage of suitors for Shaw, should Manchester United look to sell him in the summer? Or do they send him out on a temporary spell away? Or should Jose back the youngster to succeed with him? Let’s analyze;
Shaw’s spell at Manchester United has been blighted by serious injuries throughout. Just when he was looking to be flourishing under Louis Van Gaal two years back, a knee break kept him out of action for a year now. And since his return from that horrific injury last season, Shaw has looked a shadow of his former self. As a result, he was just limited to only 19 appearances over the course of the season.
Throughout the campaign, Mourinho has questioned the mentality and the attitude of Shaw, pointing the youngster out for a lack of fighting spirit and ambition. His defensive abilities too have been questioned by the manager on several occasions which led to him being frozen out of the first-team for quite a long time. There were reports of showdown talks (Source: Metro) between the player and the manager in April this year, following which Shaw had been reinstated in the team, but another injury put a premature end to his season.
The injury that Shaw sustained was a whopping 17th one he has had to endure since his move to United. So, it is natural that the player hasn’t been able to showcase his true abilities for a consistent extended period of time in the team. However, following his latest setback, the England international has demonstrated great attitude, having already returned to United’s Carrington complex for his recuperation.
This development is definitely something that will appeal to the manager. With just one year left on his current deal with United, Shaw will need to get his career back on track and soon. And, judging by the situation, it does seem that the player has had an assessment of the situation and is working hard to turn things around. And, the fact that he has shown the right intent ahead of the pre-season is something that will serve him well.
With Shaw, there has been never a question of talents and innate abilities, but it has been more to do with his attitude. With so many clubs lining up a move, United may well be forced into thinking about a sale. A loan move away for a year, to build his shape and fitness, and give him that confidence could also be something to ponder over. But, now that he is doing the right things to complement his talent, it makes sense for Mourinho and United to keep him at the club and allow him the chance to prosper into the player that he was once touted to become.