Jose Mourinho Manchester United

'Man Utd have enough problems without Shaw' - Mourinho moaning concerns Ince

Jose Mourinho’s public criticism of Luke Shaw has been questioned by Paul Ince, with Manchester United having “enough problems” to contend without creating another distraction.

Having previously praised a 22-year-old full-back for turning his Old Trafford career around, the Red Devils boss has been back on the offensive of late.

Shaw has found himself thrust back under the spotlight, with his value to the United cause being debated by his manager in an open forum.

Article continues below

Ince believes Mourinho has acted out of turn and has tarnished the reputation of a club that would never have dreamed of airing its dirty laundry in public under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson.

The former United midfielder told Paddy Power: “The way Jose Mourinho does things, as someone who has been a manager previously and has worked under Alex Ferguson, isn’t for me.

“When it comes to addressing players and calling them out, it should be done in-house. It definitely shouldn’t be done in the press and that’s the way it has been with Manchester United in the past.

“I don’t think there are any situations where a manager should call out a player in public, and it’s not the first time it has happened with Luke Shaw. Which, depending which way you look at it, either says a lot about the player himself or the manager saying it.

“For me personally, it’s something that needs to be dealt with in the club. Man United have got enough problems, and maybe they should focus on those instead of focusing on Shaw.”

Ince added on the Shaw saga, with it looking increasingly likely that the England international will be on the move this summer: “We’re talking about a player who a few months ago, Jose called world class. Make your mind up.

Luke Shaw Jose Mourinho problems Paul Ince

“Suddenly, it looks as though he’s going to leave the club. And who knows, maybe he could have been world class.

“But he’s not been given much of an opportunity by Mourinho to show it.

“It’s clear Mourinho wants a reaction out of him. It’s a tactic he’s done in the past, but whether that’s right or wrong I’m not sure.

“It’s only pushing Luke further out of the door, but sometimes, it does come down to attitude.

“Ashley Young is getting older, and Shaw should be grabbing the chance to be the first choice left-back with two hands, but he doesn’t seem interested. This is his last chance.”

Advertisement