Mourinho: Shaw can become the best at Manchester United

Jose Mourinho insists it is only a matter of time before Luke Shaw becomes his undisputed first-choice left-back amid a frustrating season for the England international.

The 21-year-old has faced long fitness battles since breaking his leg in September 2015 – but was also criticised by Mourinho for not playing through the pain barrier when he withdrew from a squad to face Swansea City in November.

Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo and Matteo Darmian have all featured at left-back more often than Shaw this season, despite it not being their preferred position, but the former Southampton defender started in Saturday’s draw with Bournemouth.

And Mourinho has offered Shaw further hope that he can work his way into his long-term plans by insisting that he has the potential to become his best option.

“In practical terms, we have lots of left-backs,” said Mourinho. “The reality is that Blind, Shaw, Rojo and Darmian can all play left back – but they are different players.

“I think that, in a couple of years, one of them should become the best of all – because he has all the attributes to be the best – and that’s Luke Shaw.

“Because of his age, his physicality, his intensity, his aggressiveness and his ability going forward – he can be the best. But to be the best you need to work – you need to work hard and that’s what he’s trying to do.”