Jose Mourinho explains Luke Shaw position

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho insists that Luke Shaw will have to work harder in order to stake a place in his matchday squad.

The England international has earned a solitary start since the turn of the year despite the 54-year-old claiming that he has a long-term future at the club.

Shaw has been left out of the travelling squad for the Europa League clash against Saint-Etienne on Thursday, and Mourinho admits that the decision is purely based on the performance.

"Because I am playing with Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo, Darmian. They are playing the way I like a full-back to play and Luke has to wait for his chance knowing I give nothing for free," he told reporters.

The former Saints ace was expected to cement a regular place under the Special One this term, but it now appears that he is clearly the fourth-choice left-back with Darmian, Rojo and Blind all ahead of him in the pecking order.

North London duo Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have been recently credited with an interest for the left-back, and it would not be a surprise if United do plan to recoup the entire £30m sum paid to Southampton in 2014.