Once hailed as England’s most gifted left-back since Ashley Cole, Luke Shaw has struggled to find favor under José Mourinho at Manchester United. According to The Telegraph, Mourinho’s harsh post-match remarks targeting Shaw have caused a stir in the dressing room and reportedly shocked members of the club’s senior management.
Some of United’s key players believe Mourinho has crossed a line, accusing him of bullying the England international. The backlash within the squad was strong enough that United executives are rumored to be considering a crisis meeting involving Mourinho and several senior players to defuse the growing tension.
Although Shaw himself has remained silent following the public criticism, his former Southampton mentor, club legend Matt Le Tissier, has spoken out. In an interview with Sky Sports, Le Tissier said, “Mourinho is destroying his confidence. He clearly doesn’t understand how to motivate him. This tough-love approach just doesn’t work with Luke.”
Le Tissier added that while a return to Southampton might be financially unrealistic, a potential swap with Spurs full-back Danny Rose could offer Shaw the fresh start he needs. “Under Pochettino, I believe Luke Shaw could rediscover his best form and fulfill his potential,” he stated.
Ironically, Shaw once had a chance to join Chelsea in the summer of 2014, a club he supported as a child. But back then, it was Mourinho who blocked the move. Fast forward to today, and the two have been reunited at Old Trafford, only for their relationship to grow increasingly strained.
Crickex App reports that Shaw’s contract has less than 18 months remaining, leaving him little time to prove his worth to future suitors. Last April, in a 1–1 draw with Everton, Shaw came off the bench and performed well — yet instead of praise, he was publicly ridiculed by Mourinho, who said, “He played well, but it was my brain and my body on the pitch. I had to tell him what to do every step of the way.”
Last season, Shaw featured just 19 times for United, fewer than fellow left-backs Ashley Young, Daley Blind, and Matteo Darmian. He also received the brunt of Mourinho’s criticism in the media. Despite this, United enjoyed a successful campaign, winning the Europa League, the EFL Cup, and the Community Shield. Mourinho’s methods were largely justified by results, earning support from many fans.
But times have changed. This season, United trailed Manchester City by 16 points in the Premier League and were knocked out of the Champions League by Sevilla — a side only fifth in La Liga — before April even arrived. With poor results piling up, Mourinho’s second season hasn’t lived up to expectations, and his tendency to single out players now risks alienating the entire squad.
As the saying goes, “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.” For a player with Shaw’s athleticism and technical ability, it’s time he’s allowed to play on his own terms — without needing his manager to “be his brain” on the pitch.