Luke Shaw has threatened to leave Manchester United for free next summer if his level of gametime doesn’t improve next season, according to the Manchester Evening News.
What’s the story, then?
The Manchester Evening News report that Shaw has just the one year left on his current deal at Old Trafford but is still desperate to make his United career a success.
They say that he has set a time limit on doing exactly that and if he doesn’t establish himself as first-choice this season, he is prepared to leave the club on a free transfer when his contract expires.
They report that Shaw is encouraged by Jose Mourinho’s refusal to sign a new left-back this summer but the proof will come when it becomes clear whether he has dislodged Ashley Young as first-choice left-back.
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Mourinho’s treatment would be to blame for losing a huge asset
Manchester United need a long-term left-back and they have on their books the most talented English option.
It is Mourinho who has not only failed to make that work but also alienated Shaw with his bizarre treatment of the player, which borders on bullying.
Since Mourinho’s arrival, United have made a point of selling their unwanted players for a high fee and the failure to do so with 6ft 1in Shaw would be completely the manager’s fault.
A major, young English talent like Shaw should recoup United a fee in the region of £20m, so losing him for free would be a disaster.