Jose Mourinho has been questioning the commitment of defender Luke Shaw in recent weeks, but it is not the first time he has been unhappy with the England defender. Shaw has featured very little for United this season. He has featured only in 15 games for Manchester United this term, while he has managed just one league appearance in 2017. Amidst continuing public criticism of the defender, it is reported that United are also looking at players who can potentially replace the 21-year-old.
According to The Mirror, Celtic defender Kieran Tierney appears to have emerged as Manchester United’s first choice. The 19-year-old has been having a splendid season with Celtic, who had just been crowned as the Scottish Premier League champions for a sixth straight season. An attacking full-back by nature, Tierney has contributed eight assists in just 18 league games this season. His exploits with Celtic saw him make his debut for Scotland exactly a year ago.
Replacing one young British left back with another is easier said than done, as Celtic are likely to play hardball over the defender. The youngster has a contract with Celtic until the summer of 2021. This places the reigning Scottish champions at a significant advantage. Apart from being capable of demanding an extravagant fee, they also have the right to say no.
United are ready to pay around £10 million in transfer fees and £50,000 in wages. Mourinho has so far been quiet on his summer decision with Shaw, but it is widely expected that the 21-year-old will leave Old Trafford during the off-season.
Shaw has been rated as one of the best young talents at the left back position since Ashley Cole emerged from Arsenal’s youth ranks. Yet, he has been unable to transfer that potential into performances with many managers and pundits criticising the commitment of the player.
Former United manager Louis Van Gaal was unhappy with the fitness levels of the player. However, it should be remembered that Shaw has already suffered double leg fracture, and he has never been able to hit top form since that injury in September 2015.
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