Jose Mourinho was critical of Shaw and Smalling post his side’s comprehensive victory over Swansea, even going on to claim that several of his players have played through niggles for the greater good of the unit and the likes of Shaw and Smalling need to toughen up and be available to their manager regardless of minor injuries.
Luke Shaw has been put on an individual training regime by manager Jose Mourinho in a bid to help him improve his fitness during the international break, as the player has been left out of the England squad.
While a number of Manchester United players have been called up to their respective national sides, a few who have been ignored have been given days off to prepare for the gruelling season ahead.
Shaw along with his teammate Chris Smalling have been asked to get in shape to help the side recover from their poor start to the season.
Also Read: EPL 2016/17: Luke Shaw baffled by Jose Mourinho's comments after Swansea game
While the manager claimed that Luke Shaw did not feature against Swansea since he had declared himself unfit for the game on Sunday morning, later reports suggest that the defender did not travel with the squad to the South Wales on Saturday. There is more to the story than his apparent troubles with injury and we will have to wait and watch when the true story unfolds.
“There is a difference between the brave, who want to play at any cost, and the ones for whom a little pain can make a difference. If I were to speak with the many great football people of this team, they will say they played many times without being 100 per cent,” said Mourinho post the Swansea game.
In what can be termed as a positive for the players, the manager seems desperate to avail of their services as top footballers, despite his apparent frustration and is keen to ensure that the duo are fit to take on Arsenal in their next league game.
Also Read: Manchester United news: Jose Mourinho questions his players' mentality, despite win
Shaw began the season on a positive note and was amongst the brighter players for the team. However, a string of niggles on his right ankle, the one he broke last year against PSV Eindhoven, seem to be pegging him back time and again.
On the other hand, Smalling, one of the leading defensive figures at the club, has missed his side’s last 4 games and with the club suffering owing to injuries and form, his return to the squad will be critical for Mourinho to turn around his side’s fortunes.
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