Gary Neville: Luke Shaw ‘has to respond’ to Jose Mourinho’s criticism… and he will be given the chance to prove himself at Manchester United
UNDER-FIRE Luke Shaw has been told he HAS to respond to Jose Mourinho's criticism in order to succeed at Manchester United.
The English left-back has been out of favour under the Portuguese at Old Trafford because of a perceived attitude and fitness issue.
And the prospect of Shaw leaving United this summer has increased with almost every week that's gone by as he struggles to make the Red Devils squad.
But Gary Neville laid out the clear choice to the 21-year-old - describing him as an "incredible talent".
He said: "He has to respond. If he doesn't it will be a reflection upon him as a character and a personality moving forward.
"I think if people think words can get to you... words shouldn't hurt you.
"Words are words. They come and go. Those words will be here for another couple of days and then they'll be gone.
"The reality of it is Luke Shaw will be given a chance to play in a few weeks' time and it's his performance on the pitch that will count.
"He has the talent to play for Manchester United."
Gary's brother Phil Neville yesterday told Shaw to "pull his finger out" after he was left out of the matchday squad for United's 0-0 bore draw with West Brom at Old Trafford on Saturday.
But the Neville brothers played under the iron rule of Sir Alex Ferguson, who was known for telling the players a few harsh truths if they ever got complacent.
And they went on to win virtually every trophy in club football under the fiery Scot, who turned the club into an incredible winning machine.
"Luke has to knuckle down, take the challenge and get to the point where he's the fittest he's ever been and with that hopefully the talent will shine through because he's got incredible talent.
"It would be such a shame if it didn't work for him at United with the talent he's got."