What’s the rumour?
As per reports from the BBC, Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw is set to leave the club following further criticism from manager; Jose Mourinho. The 22-year-old is said to have been upset by his managers' latest remarks and wants to make a fresh start elsewhere.
In case you didn't know:
2013-14 was a breakthrough year for Shaw. The promising defender shot into fame after a string of brilliant performances for Southampton and helped them to an eighth place finish in the league.
He was signed by United in 2014 to fill the void left by Patrice Evra. Despite showing promise, his career stalled when he suffered a double leg fracture in the opening match of the 2015-16 UEFA Champions League against. PSV. An injury that will eventually keep him out for almost seven months.
Shaw has struggled to get a consistent run of games in the team since and now he has reportedly fallen out of favour with Mourinho.
The heart of the matter:
Mourinho has tinkered with the left back position this season. Shaw, Daley Blind, Matteo Darmian and Ashley Young have been deployed there.
Only Young has enjoyed a consistent run of games and Mourinho will want to strengthen the position because Young is primarily a winger and is susceptible to mistakes.
Shaw has had his chances but now it seems to be the end of the road following a dismal showing, in Mourinho's eyes, in United's FA Cup victory over Brighton.
"Luke, in the first half, every time they came in his corridor, the cross came in and a dangerous situation was coming," the Portuguese said. "I was not happy with his performance."
This public criticism from the manager has left his camp furious, as per the same report.
Rumour rating/probability - 8/10
Almost every media outlet in England is reporting the same, and there seems to be some truth in the news and Shaw is likely to leave Old Trafford despite having a contract till 2019.
Video: Shaw in action this season
Author’s take
There is no denying that Shaw has the talent to become a future great. Perhaps Mourinho should give him some more time to get back to his best. He may prove to be a big loss for United unless they can find a quality left-back this summer.