Top Man Utd star takes clear shot at Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in praise for no-nonsense Erik ten Hag

Manchester United star Luke Shaw has clearly aimed a veiled dig at both Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is his praise for the latest Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag.

England full-back Shaw admits he is grateful the Dutchman only selects in-form players and Ten Hag’s team selections this season have been a welcome break from the past.

Shaw started the two defeats that opened Ten Hag’s reign as Old Trafford boss and was swiftly axed for summer signing Tyrell Malacia. However, he was not the only one as high-profile duo Harry Maguire and Cristiano Ronaldo also got the chop.

The 27-year-old has, however, now recovered his spot after showing Ten Hag his qualities while with England during the recent international break.

Shaw had a tough relationship with Mourinho during the Portuguese manager’s time in charge, while Solskjaer often preferred to start Alex Telles ahead of him.

And despite having a battle to win back his place this season, Shaw, who was recently linked with Newcastle, believes Ten Hag’s methods for selection are good for everyone at the club.

Asked by National if he’s now happy with how he is performing, the defender said: “Yes, but I think the most important thing is the team. Whenever I get a chance, whenever I play I just do my best.

“The good thing with this manager [Erik ten Hag] is that if you’re not playing well then you won’t play. In the past that’s not been the case but I think the good thing about this manager is that he’s keeping everyone on their toes.

“He makes sure that everyone is 100 per cent every day. If you’re not at it then you won’t play. That’s a positive thing. We all know that. And for me I’ve just got to keep working harder.’

Shaw knew his time would come again

Malacia was praised for his tenacity in wins against Arsenal and Liverpool, something Shaw has often been criticised for lacking.

But he admits Ten Hag did not even tell him what he needs to do better to get his place back.

He added: “To be honest I didn’t really need him to say anything to me. I knew the first two games were nowhere near good enough.

“I completely understood that it was my time to come out of the team. The results were bad, my performances were not good enough.

“I just had to keep training hard every day so the manager could see how hard I was working.

“I was just waiting for my opportunity and had to bide my time because the team were doing well and we were winning. You can’t moan, I just had to be there every day with the team, being involved and helping the team, whether that is starting or being on the bench.

“Over the years I’ve had a lot of ups and down. For me that’s not good enough and not what I want to be achieving.

“For me it’s all about consistency and I just need to keep training hard, keep the focus and give everything I can for the team.”

Shaw and United are back in action on Wednesday night when Tottenham head to Old Trafford.

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