IT might not seem it right now but the door is not completely shut on Luke Shaw’s Manchester United career.
Let’s not forget that only a couple of months ago Jose Mourinho said he was playing like one of the best left-backs in the world.
And when he has played recently it’s not like they have shipped a load of goals- in his last eight starts United have not conceded.
It’s difficult to understand why Mourinho called Shaw out in public but I think it’s because he rates him so highly and is frustrated he is not living up to his promise.
When I was a young player coming through the ranks, I remember being told that the day the manager stops bothering with you, that’s the day you’re done.
But changing rooms are very different places now.
Managers would kick players up the backside 20 years ago and generally that was the end of it.
It’s not as simple as that anymore though, hence why man-management is the most important part of being a boss these days.
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You need to know who to dig out, whose ego to massage and who to leave alone – It’s not easy!
My old Stoke boss Tony Pulis knew we had a number of strong characters but was aware there were some who wouldn’t react well to a dressing-down.
So if he wanted to have a go at someone who wouldn’t take it well, he would instead direct it at me or Rory Delap, or whoever was closest to him.
Mourinho has won it all and has consistently got the best out of his players, so he clearly knows what he is doing.
But you never know his motivations, and it could all stem from the former Chelsea manager failing to bring the full-back to Stamford Bridge in 2014.
What I do know though is that not many people move on to a bigger club after United.
There is an added pressure when playing for them and you have to accept the criticism that comes with the territory.
I’ve been on the pitch against the likes of Roy Keane, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville and they would be arguing among themselves because they demand the best.
But they were all serial winners, and to be successful at such a club you HAVE to be a serial winner.
Shaw may well think he gets it in the neck more than others, and he might be right.
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He still has over a year on his contract and he may think that if he comes back and blasts on in pre-season, all is not lost.
Then again, maybe he’s had enough of Mourinho by now.
But not many players want to leave Manchester United, and for good reason.
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