Despite an improved performance at Sunderland over the course of the weekend, Luke Shaw continues to endure quite a difficult time of things at Manchester United right now.

The England international looks to be the latest talent to receive Jose Mourinho's rather harsh public criticism, joining rather esteemed company with the likes of Eden Hazard and Cristiano Ronaldo in that regard.

Whether or not this special brand of tough love will see the former Southampton man finally embark on the upward trajectory predicted for him during his breakthrough season on the south coast remains to be seen, though this is certainly a critical period in the 21-year-old's career.

Linked with moves away from the Theatre of Dreams, Shaw still has the time to resurrect his career with the Red Devils and impact of the horrific double leg break he suffered (just as he was in a rich vein of form) back in 2015 cannot be understated.

Still, perhaps a loan move away from the club could be a smart move for Shaw, or indeed Mourinho, who has recently said the England international plays with only his body, and the mind of the self-proclaimed 'Special One'.

"He was in front of me and I was making every decision for him. He has to change his football brain. We need his fantastic physical and technical qualities but he cannot play with my brain. He must accelerate the process. Twenty-one is old enough to have a better understanding. He has a future here but Manchester United cannot wait."

A move to Tottenham Hotspur, a club where burgeoning English talents are afforded the time and space to hone their craft, makes sense, though the fact Danny Rose is so influential to the way they play may make life difficult. Clearly, a reunion with former Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino would be a dream move, but operating behind the man who has usurped him as England's most exciting left-back at club level would do little to help get his career back on track.

So, one of Mourinho's old foes could indeed offer both he and Shaw the perfect environment in which to blossom.

Rafa Benitez's Newcastle United look like making an instant return to the Premier League, even if they've made potentially winning the Championship title more difficult than it should have been. As much as the Spaniard has rebuilt the Toon Army since taking over in 2016, the left-back position remains a slight problem at St. James' Park.

Paul Dummett's form continues to fluctuate, with the Welsh international sometimes looking imperious against top Championship quality in the shape of Anthony Knockaert, or in a spell of form that sees him labouring up the field at a snail's pace. He, along with Massadio Haidara, are surely not players Benitez wants to rely upon should he make a return to the English elite.

With that in mind, Shaw would be a wonderful option. Granted, probably not an overly long-term one, but perhaps playing for a club where he's bound to be adored by the crowd could help him fall back in love with football.

Pep Guardiola has recently spoken about what playing in front of a crowd such as the one at St. James' Park could do for burgeoning talents and, while the Magpies are far too big a club to develop other people's talents, it could indeed be a wise move for all parties involved.

Shaw is always likely to have offers and his performance against Sunderland this weekend hinted he could have a future at Manchester United. There's little doubting his ability, though moving to Newcastle on loan, with the Magpies also looking to get themselves back on track could prove to be a happy marriage indeed.