Luke Shaw has admitted he had a difficult time at Manchester United under previous manager Jose Mourinho.
The England international has been in the form of his career and looks a player reborn under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. It wasn’t too long ago when his time in the United XI looked in serious doubt.
Speaking about it to BBC Sport prior to last night’s FA Cup fifth-round win over West Ham, Shaw gave some insight into what it was like working under Jose Mourinho and dropped a hint that he considered leaving the club.
“Yeah it was very difficult because I think sometimes I wasn’t able to get my word across,” Shaw said.
“A lot of people were behind me here [at United] so I knew I had that sort of backing.
“But I just needed to keep quiet and put my head down.
“A lot of people were saying a lot of negative stuff about me.
“I just look back at it as a learning curve and something that’s improved me as a person off the pitch, not just on the pitch.
“It was a very hard time a couple of years back when I wasn’t even playing, wasn’t even involved.
“I always believed in myself – I think there were times where maybe I looked at… or people were thinking, ‘Maybe he could leave’.
“But like I said, I always believed that one day I’d be able to fight my way back and get into the team and show people what my qualities are.
“I feel like I’m starting to do that now, but there’s still much more to come I think.”
United fans will be pleased to hear Shaw decided to stay at the club. He’s been exceptional so far this season and could be in contention for the club’s player of the year.
Alex Telles arrived from FC Porto and that seemingly gave Shaw the drive to really kick on. The Brazilian left-back has come in as second choice behind Shaw.
We are all buzzing for Shaw and I’m sure soon we’ll be talking about Gareth Southgate calling him up for the European Championships.
Although as a United fan I fear the worst when our players are on international duty, we can’t take it away from our players and I’m sure Shaw will be waiting by his phone for the call.
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