Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho says Luke Shaw 'deserves' opportunity to fight for his future

Shaw is yet to make a start this season, coming off the bench for United just twice

Luke Shaw's opportunities have been limited under Jose Mourinho this season (Getty)

Luke Shaw “deserves” an opportunity to fight for his place at Manchester United and may make his first start of the season on Tuesday, according to his manager Jose Mourinho.

The 22-year-old has made just two appearances for United so far this season, with both coming as a substitute in the EFL Cup, and speculation regarding his long-term future at Old Trafford refuses to subside.

Ashley Young, a converted winger, is currently Mourinho's preferred choice left-back, with Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind also seemingly above Shaw in the position's pecking order.

Shaw, who joined United from Southampton for £27m in 2014, has been forced to bide his time after returning from a foot injury in September, with his manager insisting he must “work hard” to regain his place.

Ahead of Tuesday's Champions League meeting with CSKA Moscow, Mourinho indicated that he has been impressed with Shaw's work rate in training and suggested that the full-back could be in line for a rare start.

“I have to think,” Mourinho said on Shaw. “I am going to make a few, not too many changes. We didn't qualify yet, we didn't finish first in the group yet, there are others involved in the qualification and I need to keep a certain balance in the team.

“When you speak about Luke you are right, he is working to have an opportunity and sooner or later the opportunity will arrive, because he deserves that opportunity.

"He is selected for tomorrow, yes for sure. Whether he starts or is on the bench, I cannot answer.”

United are yet to qualify for the Champions League knock-out phase ahead of Tuesday's final group game, but know only a defeat by seven goals or more to CSKA at Old Trafford will eliminate them from the competition.