Steven Gerrard sends open message to Man United fans about Luke Shaw
Steven Gerrard delivers his verdict on Jose Mourinho's handling of Luke Shaw at Man United
Steven Gerrard has backed Jose Mourinho’s “strong” handling of Luke Shaw in recent months after the defender made his first start of the season for Manchester United on Tuesday night.
The 22-year-old has seemingly struggled to win over the Portuguese coach since Mourinho’s appointment at Old Trafford in the summer of 2016 and has found his first-team opportunities to be severely restricted.
However, Mourinho opted to play Shaw from the start in Manchester United’s 2-1 win over CSKA Moscow in the Champions League on Tuesday night and the England international featured for the full 90 minutes during the victory at Old Trafford.
Shaw was in good form and earned praise for his performance against the Russian side, despite being at fault for the visitors’ goal.
Gerrard has now given his take on Mourinho’s handling of Shaw at Old Trafford in recent months, and feels that his tactic has simply been to get the best out of the player.
Speaking to BT Sport on Tuesday night, Gerrard said: “I think it’s been strong at times but I think he’s doing it for a reason – and that’s to try and get the best out of Shaw.
“He’s obviously not happy with certain parts of his game, his fitness or his body shape.
“Mourinho goes about it in a certain way and that’s a strong way. But I don’t think it’s personal. I think it’s to just get the best out of the player.”
Manchester United return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon when they take on bitter local rivals Manchester City in their crunch derby clash at Old Trafford.
Victory for the Red Devils would move them to within five points of Pep Guardiola’s men.
