Manchester United defender Luke Shaw is reportedly 'baffled' by the most recent criticism directed his way from manager Jose Mourinho after the player missed the weekend win over Swansea with what was thought to be an injury.
Mourinho openly questioned the professional desire of both Shaw and fellow defender Chris Smalling, stillon the road to recovery from a foot problem, after being forced to name a patched up back four in south Wales.
According to the Guardian, Shaw doesn't knowwhy he's been publicly criticised again.
The former Southampton left-back previously took the blame from Mourinho when United were beaten by Watford in September after he failed to close down Hornets winger Nordin Amrabat at the game's late decisive moment.
Shaw accepted the harsh remarks on that occasion, later commenting that he had no problem with Mourinho and would use his manager's words to improve in the future. Smalling has also apparently had recent issues with the new boss despite his role as vice-captain.
A report from The Sun has claimed that the rest of the United players are actually behind Mourinho in what is described as an 'amazing bust-up' with Shaw and Smalling.
As such, numerous other reports have suggested an exit for both may be on the cards, while a column in the Manchester Evening News notes a similarity with Sir Alex Ferguson, who was often very quick to remove individual players he felt no longer brought anything to the squad.
Luke Shaw's people have briefed the press that he's "baffled" by the treatment from Mourinho. Players talking to the press weekly.
But interim England coach Gareth Southgate is one whohas jumped to the defence of Shaw in particular, reminding people of the severity of the broken leg the developing player suffered less than 14 months ago.
"Luke I know well and Luke's had a really tough injury. I think very often it's easy to look from the outside or to make judgements on people without knowing them really, really well," he said after being unable to select the 21-year-old for international duty.
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