According to reports in The Guardian, Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw will be given the opportunity to stake his claim to be the club’s first-choice in that position next season after impressing manager Jose Mourinho with his attitude and determination.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the England international’s future at Old Trafford appeared to be in doubt after Mourinho publicly criticised the 22-year-old last season, according to The Guardian, but he looks set to be given a chance to nail down the left-back spot during the Red Devils’ pre-season tour of America.

The Guardian says that Mourinho questioned Shaw’s attitude, positioning and basic understanding of the game, and in April the Portuguese boss took the credit for the full-back’s performance against Everton after describing it as “his body with my brain” in the 1-1 draw.

It has certainly been up and down period at United for the Three Lions star after he moved to Old Trafford from Southampton in 2014, and he suffered a horrific leg break in September 2015.

How did Shaw do last season?

Britain Football Soccer - Manchester United v RSC Anderlecht - UEFA Europa League Quarter Final Second Leg - Old Trafford, Manchester, England - 20/4/17 Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho speaks with Luke Shaw Action Images via Reuters / Jason Cairnduff Livepic

It was a tough campaign for the 22-year-old who still looks to be trying to get back to his best following that serious injury in 2015, and he ended the season having made 19 appearances in all competitions after missing the final month because of an ankle ligament injury.

He was also suffering from a groin problem in the first half of the season.

Does he definitely have a United future?

He certainly seems to at the moment.

While he is still recovering from his ankle injury and is a doubt to be ready in time to face West Ham United at Old Trafford on the first day of the season, The Guardian says that Mourinho has challenged the 22-year-old to play well enough to keep the left-back spot when he is fully fit.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, some people may not have expected such a u-turn from Mourinho considering some of the comments he made about Shaw last season, but it is good to see the Portuguese manager giving the Three Lions star the chance to get back to his best and make a real impact at Old Trafford following such a tough time with injuries.

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