Jose Mourinho insists Luke Shaw ‘fully deserves’ his new Manchester United deal after the defender signed a five-year extension on Thursday.
The 23-year-old seemed very close to leaving United towards the end of last campaign having struggled to secure a regular role during Mourinho’s reign at the club.
But Shaw has been one of United’s best players this season and his performances have been rewarded with a new five-year contract, which has the option of a further year.
‘Luke fully deserves this contract,’ Mourinho told United’s official website.
‘He understood his development process, he has worked really hard at every level and he always believes in himself which is a great attribute to have.
‘Luke is still young and is improving all the time and he must feel very proud of himself.
‘I am delighted that we are keeping such a talented young English player with a bright future ahead of him.’
Mourinho and Shaw clashed seven months ago when the United boss substituted the left-back at half-time during their 2-0 victory over Brighton.
Shaw is reported to have asked Mourinho: ‘Why are you always picking on me?’
But Mourinho did not hold back his criticism of Shaw after the match.
‘I decided [to substitute] Luke because Antonio [Valencia] was at least capable defensively,’ said the United boss.
‘Every player can play bad but when you see ‘please Mr, take me from the pitch’. That is what I thought.’
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Shaw, however, was keen to make a better start this season and even took Gary Walker, one of United’s strength and conditioning coaches, on a holiday with him to Dubai.