Rio Ferdinand sticks it to Mourinho as Luke Shaw produces England masterclass
Rio Ferdinand has hit back at Jose Mourinho for his criticism of Manchester United’s Luke Shaw, speaking before the left-back’s starring role in England’s win over Germany.
Shaw provided the assist for Raheem Sterling’s opener at Wembley as the Three Lions reached the Euro 2020 quarter-finals. However, he then started the attack and teed up Jack Grealish, who supplied Harry Kane. Shaw’s standout display came after a tough few days in which he has attracted off-the-pitch attention.
Indeed, his ex-United boss Jose Mourinho began a war of words with the 25-year-old over his influence for both club and country.
Shaw responded, though, claiming that it is clear that he is still in Mourinho’s head.
Speaking to his FIVE YouTube channel, Ferdinand had his say on the saga – speaking before the defender’s star performance.
“I don’t get it man. Jose Mourinho, look at who he is,” the pundit said. “The guy, the main man, I love Mourinho. He’s a manager I would have loved to play for. But leave the kid alone.
“You messed up his career. He would argue Luke Shaw messed up his career. He [Shaw] has to take some responsibility for this period as well, where he didn’t do well under Mourinho.
“But as a manager you have to take a bit of responsibility too in getting the best out of players, that’s your job, that’s your remit to get the best out the players at your disposal but he didn’t with Luke Shaw.
“But leave the kid alone, you’re talking about him taking corners. Please, there’s more to talk about than Luke Shaw taking corners.”
Shaw struggled to fit in under Mourinho, which extended the player’s initial barren spell at Old Trafford.
However, his performances at Euro 2020 come after he was one of the best left-backs in the Premier League last season.
Mourinho’s successor, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has rejuvenated Shaw and he could yet play a further key role as England progress to the quarter-finals.
Potential Man Utd transfer exit
Another player who has struggled to initially settle at United is midfielder Donny van de Beek.
The former Ajax star has not had the role he hoped he would after arriving and he has therefore been linked with a move away.
Now, one of Europe’s rebuilding title winners are reportedly considering a loan move.
READ MORE: Rebuilding champions eye Man Utd misfit as ideal loan reinforcement
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