Football
Rob Dawson, Correspondent 6y

Luke Shaw says Jose Mourinho has given him 'extra confidence'

Luke Shaw has credited Jose Mourinho for masterminding his Manchester United comeback.

The left-back has started the last five games, which is his longest run since August 2016.

And, after more than a year on the fringes of the first-team, the 22-year-old revealed it is his manager who has helped him get him back to his best.

"The manager has been really good with me and has given me extra confidence," Shaw told United Review. "He's just told me to go out and enjoy the games and that's what I've been doing. I'm focused on working really hard for the manager and for the team because I want to keep on playing and hopefully more games will come."

Mourinho was critical of Shaw last season, at one point claiming the England defender was "a long way behind" the rest of his teammates.

But an injury to right-back Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young's suspension have given Shaw the chance to play regular football again, and he says he is feeling as fit as he was before suffering a horrific leg break in September 2015.

"I'm feeling good," he said. "It's been really nice to be back on the pitch and I'm enjoying having game time. The last few weeks personally have been good.

"I hope there are many more games for me, and many more good results for the team this season. A bad injury like I had always stays with you a little bit afterwards but it's in the past and I feel really good and really fit and my leg feels perfect.

"Body-wise and fitness-wise, I probably feel the best I've ever felt. Mentally, I feel very strong as well and I'm enjoying my football and it's now about pushing on and helping the team."

Shaw, who is now looking to win back his place in the England squad ahead of the World Cup in Russia in June, also reserved special mention for the United supporters.

He says he owes the fans a debt gratitude for their support since his £30 million move from Southampton in 2014 -- particularly during his long spell out of the team.

"The fans have always been really good to me," he said. "It's so nice to see the messages I get on Twitter and Instagram, and I always take time to read them. You might get the odd bad one but the support I've had has been incredible and I really love our fans.

"They've stuck by me through thick and thin and I know I owe it to them to give something back."

^ Back to Top ^