Football
Mark Ogden, Senior Writer, ESPN FC 7y

Jose Mourinho tells Luke Shaw: 'He has to change his football brain'

Jose Mourinho delivered another stinging criticism of Manchester United defender Luke Shaw on Tuesday night by claiming that the £28 million full-back must "change his football brain."

Shaw, 21, returned to action in the 1-1 draw at home to Everton and played a key role in United's late equaliser, with his late shot leading to a penalty after Ashley Williams blocked it with his arm on its way to goal.

But despite making a positive impact on the game after replacing Ashley Young on 65 minutes, Shaw was still given a dressing-down by Mourinho in the United manager's post-match news conference.

Shaw, who was making only his second appearance since the end of January, held talks with Mourinho on Monday after having his attitude criticised by the Portuguese over the weekend.

And Mourinho's demanding approach continued with the former Chelsea boss claiming Shaw only performed well against Everton because he was able to coach him from the touchline.

"[Shaw] has lots of potential, but the football brain and the professional brain has to be with the talent," Mourinho said. "He has to change his football brain.

"He was doing things in the second half when he was reacting to my voice. If he was on the other side, for sure he would not do it.

"I was thinking for him and leading his performance. If he was on the other side it would not be the same and at his level it is not possible. He has to improve and we have to help."

Despite his heavy-handed approach with Shaw, Mourinho insists that the youngster, whose Old Trafford contract expires in June 2018, can still have a future at United.

"I think he has a future here, but Manchester United cannot wait," Mourinho said. "We need the kids to grow up.

"The fantastic body he has to play football, the fantastic physical qualities and technical, but he cannot play with my brain.

"He must accelerate the process. Twenty-one years is old enough to have a better understanding, but his contribution was good to improve the team.

"He goes today in a positive feeling because his performance was positive."

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