Mourinho: Why Shaw deserves his new deal

The in-form defender, who has been hugely impressive so far this season, has signed an extension to his deal to keep him at Old Trafford until June 2023, with the option of a further year.

After arriving from Southampton in the summer of 2014, Shaw is in his fifth season at United – and the third working under Jose, who is full of praise for the way the full-back has applied himself.

“Luke fully deserves this contract,” said Mourinho. “He understood his development process, he has worked really hard at every level and he always believes in himself which is a great attribute to have. 

“Luke is still young and is improving all the time and he must feel very proud of himself. I am delighted that we are keeping such a talented young English player with a bright future ahead of him.”

It’s not the first time this season that the boss has commended Shaw, who was voted United’s Player of the Month in both August and September by Reds fans.

The boss praised Luke’s overall display after he scored the first goal of his senior career, to give the Reds a 2-1 victory over Leicester City on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

“I am very pleased for Luke Shaw – not just with that [the goal] but he made one mistake in 90 minutes,” the boss said afterwards. “It was the kind of mistake where probably the linesman could help him and give a free-kick for us and resolve the problem.

“He was very good defensively, he was good with the ball, he coped physically well and he had a good pre-season.”

Mourinho also singled out the 23-year-old’s determination and perseverance during United’s 3-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.

“I was particularly pleased with him,” the boss told reporters after the game. “I told him he could not play better than he did. I saw him at 3-0 having cramp and keeping in the game until the last second with that pride, with that dignity that the fans applaud.

“Of course, the kid has to be upset with the result, but the kid has to know that he has had three very good matches in the Premier League and today he was very, very good. I am very, very happy with him.”

Shaw’s impressive displays at left-back have also earned him two call-ups to the England squad so far this term, although unfortunately he was forced off injured against Spain last month and had to withdraw from October’s games because of injury.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

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