Mourinho hails fit-again Luke Shaw after defender returns from 10-month layoff in new Manchester United boss’s first game
Full-back ‘sacrificed his holiday’ says Portuguese manager
Jose Mourinho paid tribute to England left-back Luke Shaw as he continued his comeback from a 10-month injury lay-off in the new Manchester United manager’s first game in charge of the club.
Shaw, out since suffering a double leg break in a Champions League tie at PSV Eindhoven, came through the first 45 minutes of a 2-0 victory at Championship side Wigan as the Portuguese manager began the latest chapter of his career in winning style.
“When I found Luke at the training ground it was a surprise for me because I thought he couldn’t be ready to train without any type of limitation but he did fantastic in the summer,” said Mourinho.
“He sacrificed his holiday. He stayed in Manchester and was at the training ground every day putting himself in condition. Of course you lose a bit of sharpness of condition and confidence that is normal but he is trying hard.
“He was mad to play for more than just 45 minutes but for me it is better 45 safe minutes than more, so let’s go step by step.”