Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Everton leaves us no closer to really understanding what’s going on with Luke Shaw.
The former Southampton man was a surprise substitute in the second half, Jose Mourinho making Anthony Martial sit back down after spotting that left-back Ashley Young appeared to be struggling with a knock.
The 21-year-old helped United win a penalty, his ball clearly hitting Ashley Williams on the hand inside the box.
Yes, there were a few misplaced passes too, but given the circumstances, most United fans can forgive him for that.
Quite what Mourinho’s approach is with Shaw is unclear. Is it firm man-management? His treatment of a young player who suffered a horrific injury so early in his career is baffling.
At first, it seemed a big positive that the defender was being given some minutes on the pitch.
Then, in his post-match press conference, it transpired that Mourinho does not actually trust him at all and was directing his every move.
“I tell you because I told him already: he had a good performance which was his body with my brain,” the Portuguese told reporters.
“Because he was in front of me and I was making every decision for him.”
It’s almost as if Mourinho could not bare for his player to take any credit for his own performance. For Shaw to do well would have been to undermine the fact that he hadn’t played since the Bournemouth game at the start of March.
Perhaps if United were in with a better shout of Champions League football, the fans would be more forgiving. As it is, the manager’s behaviour towards Shaw is being called out.
Jose Mourinho's treatment of Luke Shaw is verging on bullying. Sounds like he's annoyed that he has to coach a young player.
— Aaron Gratton (@ABGratton24) April 5, 2017
Path on Shaw's back would have done last night but Mourinho came across bully like. Rightly frustrated with the player all season, or not.
— Dale O'Donnell (@ODonnellDale) April 5, 2017
Young is injured , Blind is out of form, Darmian is poor.
Jose Mourinho to Luke Shaw: pic.twitter.com/kQCeKdri69— Nigerian Thunderclap (@Nigerianscamsss) April 4, 2017
I would expect some of Mourinho's quotes this season in his third year, not after a few months. He's acting weird.
— Alex Shaw (@AlexShawESPN) April 5, 2017
Mourinho destroyed Rashford, Martial, Shaw and made Pogba look like Mulumbu. Unreal manager, the future is bright
— Bottlechester United (@utderrera) April 1, 2017
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