Manchester United news: Jose Mourinho urges Luke Shaw to raise his game

The United boss also insisted he 'needs' the defender back in his team

Jose Mourinho has thrown the gauntlet down to defender Luke Shaw (Getty)

Jose Mourinho has urged defender Luke Shaw to raise his game after insisting he “needs him back” in the Manchester United team.

So far, Shaw has managed just six Premier League starts for Mourinho’s side this season as he continues to recover from a groin injury.

The defender has been sidelined for the last three matches and will miss Wednesday night’s clash against Crystal Palace.

“He needs to improve. That is normal, he is a kid. I am not expecting a young player to be perfect,” said Mourinho.

“A young player makes mistakes, a young players has things to learn, has things to develop. He needs to do that.”

Mourinho has not been one to hold back with his words and has publicly criticised Shaw on more than one occasion.

Speaking after last month’s away win over Swansea, the United boss openly questioned the defender’s commitment for pulling out of the clash with injury concerns. “There is a difference between the brave, who want to be there at any cost, and the ones for who a little pain can make a difference,” Mourinho said.

Prior to that, the Portuguese criticised Shaw for his costly error at Vicarage Road which handed Watford one of their three goals as they recorded a shock 3-1 victory over United last September.

But Mourinho made it clear that he needs Shaw back as an option.

“How many matches has he already played for me? A lot. He was injured playing not on the bench! I need him back,” he added.