United players left stunned by Mourinho ‘bullying’ of humiliated star

Manchester United’s star have been left ‘stunned and surprised’ by Jose Mourinho’s latest public humiliation of defender Luke Shaw, according to reports.

The United defender has rarely figured under Mourinho’s management, and when the former Southampton star has featured, he has often found himself subjected to criticism from his manager.

After starting Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final clash against Brighton at Old Trafford, Shaw was once again left red-faced when his manager substituted him at half-time, leading to claims in the Daily Telegraph that some United stars feel he is being “bullied” and singled-out by his manager.

Mourinho was seen shouting at Shaw during the first half before hooking him at the break, with the Portuguese later explaining he wanted his team “to defend better”.

Shaw has more than a year remaining on his contract, but could now be facing another extended period out of the United first team, while reports on Monday morning suggested he could lead a 10-player player exodus at Old Trafford this summer.

 

The England international was not alone in being criticised by Mourinho, with the Portuguese furious with a number of his players after they struggled against Chris Hughton’s side.

Only Nemanja Matic and Romelu Lukaku escaped his criticism and, after a number of poor signings, our Monday Verdict explores why the United boss simply cannot be trusted to spend the club’s millions this summer.

Explaining why Mourinho demands so much from his players, his trusted lieutenant Matic said: “He is like this and the players need to be ready for that. Because at this high level, at Manchester United and where I used to play Chelsea, the players need to be ready for that because the pressure is big.

“Everyone expects you to win every game. Obviously it is not possible, but supporters always expect. It doesn’t matter if you are tired or not, supporters want high quality football. It is normal.”

‘Normal’, however, is of little consolation to Shaw and his latest public hanging not only threatens to divide United’s dressing room, it also raises new questions over the United manager’s approach to some players.

To say we’ll be surprised to see Shaw still a United player by the time the 2018/19 season kicks-off remains an understatement.

 

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