Mourinho: Shaw nearing new Manchester United deal after 'big effort'
Jose Mourinho commended Luke Shaw's effort and injury-free few months at Manchester United on Friday, and said the previously exiled left-back is set for a new contract at Old Trafford.
The Southampton product was singled out numerous times by Mourinho last season, including when his manager accused him of being "a long way behind" teammates in his commitment, focus, and ambition. The 22-year-old's substitute appearance against Everton a few days later was followed by Mourinho's claim that he'd practically puppeteered Shaw through the cameo.
However, Shaw has started 10 matches since the start of December, indicating he's won his manager's trust after a difficult start to their relationship.
"He's a few months free of these minor injuries that sometimes stop evolution and I'm really happy, so I think the natural consequence of it is that he will have his contract and he will be a Manchester United player for years," Mourinho told BBC Sport.
Shaw's current deal expires at the end of the 2017-18 season.
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Shaw's performances in United's starting XI will have undoubtedly captured the attention of Gareth Southgate. The England boss is already in the process of whittling down potential names for his squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and seven-time international Shaw is aiming to loosen the grip Danny Rose and Ryan Bertrand have on the two left-back slots.
The Red Devils journey to Newcastle United on Sunday in the latest installment of the Mourinho and Rafa Benitez rivalry.