Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw set to miss start of next season after shock foot surgery
Portuguese boss insisted the left-back must have a 'big injury' when he limped off early against Swansea
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LUKE SHAW had foot surgery last week — and is set to miss the start of next season.
The Manchester United full-back went under the knife on Thursday, four days after Jose Mourinho insisted he must have a “big injury” to limp off early against Swansea the previous Sunday.
Shaw, 21, is now set to miss the pre-season tour to the United States as he recovers from damaged ligaments.
A source at United said: “It looks likely that he will miss the start of next season.”
But the injury to his left foot also means he is set to stay at United despite his uneasy relationship with manager Mourinho putting rivals on alert.
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino was eyeing a reunion with the defender who he worked with at Southampton.
The Argentine is desperate to keep Danny Rose at White Hart Lane but Shaw was seen as a possible replacement if he lost his first-choice left-back.
Manchester City also considered Shaw as Pep Guardiola looks to build up his stock of defenders, while United’s bitter rivals Liverpool admire the full-back.
But Shaw is now set for a long rehabilitation after a second serious injury in as many seasons, following his horrific leg-break against PSV Eindhoven back in September 2015.
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The England defender’s relationship with Mourinho has been in the spotlight since Shaw’s comeback in August, with the Special One questioning aspects of his game.
In September he criticised Shaw’s mental attitude and blasted him for giving Watford winger Nordin Amrabat too much room for a goal United conceded.
He also called on Shaw to be brave and play through the pain barrier after he missed the 3-1 win over Swansea in November.
After publicly questioning his commitment, focus and ambition, Mourinho also praised Shaw for using “my brain” against Everton.
Last weekend Shaw limped off early in the 1-1 draw against Swansea and Mourinho said: “Luke Shaw must be a big injury because to leave the pitch after 10 minutes I am expecting a very big injury.”