Manchester United legend Mourinho sends strong message to Manchester United coach concerning starting a flop player against Manchester city today

He got Ten Hag sacked and he’ll get you sacked too” — Mourinho’s brutal warning about Luke Shaw

Manchester United legend Jose Mourinho has fired off a chilling message to the current Old Trafford boss, placing the blame for Erik ten Hag’s downfall squarely on the shoulders of one player — Luke Shaw. In a blunt and unfiltered statement, Mourinho made it clear: “He got Ten Hag sacked and he’ll get you sacked as well. He’s a ticking time bomb waiting to explode anytime soon. He ruined Ten Hag’s career and he would ruin yours too. Keep starting him and you’ll find yourself out before the season ends.”

This is not casual criticism. It is a warning laced with venom, delivered just hours before Manchester United’s derby showdown with Manchester City. Mourinho’s words don’t just question Shaw’s form — they link the England defender directly to managerial collapse.

Why Mourinho singles out Luke Shaw

For Mourinho, Shaw has long been a figure of mistrust. During his own time in charge at Old Trafford, he often clashed with the left-back, questioning his fitness, tactical discipline, and mentality. To now describe Shaw as a “ticking time bomb” is a return to that same narrative: a player whose inconsistency on the pitch and fragility off it allegedly drags managers down with him.

According to Mourinho, Ten Hag’s loyalty to Shaw — despite injuries and underwhelming performances — was one of the fatal flaws of his regime. He suggests that persisting with Shaw now could accelerate history repeating itself.

The timing could not be worse

United are walking into a derby against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City under immense pressure. Every tactical choice will be dissected. If Shaw starts and struggles, Mourinho’s prophecy will dominate the post-match discussion. If he doesn’t start, questions will swirl about whether Mourinho’s words forced the manager’s hand. Either way, the focus is no longer just on the team — it is on Shaw.

A “flop” or unfair scapegoat?

Shaw’s critics argue that despite flashes of brilliance, he has failed to establish himself as a consistent, world-class left-back. Injury spells, lapses in concentration, and a perceived lack of aggression have made him an easy target for pundits and fans alike.

But his defenders point to his technical ability, attacking runs, and resilience in returning from setbacks. They argue Mourinho’s long-standing feud clouds his judgment, turning Shaw into more of a scapegoat than the sole problem in United’s decline.

The managerial trap

For United’s coach, Mourinho’s statement creates a lose-lose scenario:

Start Shaw: risk defensive errors against City, feeding Mourinho’s narrative.

Drop Shaw: risk destabilizing the squad, showing cracks under external pressure.

Mourinho knows exactly how this game works. By spotlighting Shaw, he has forced the coach into making one of the season’s most scrutinized lineup decisions.

The bigger picture

This controversy speaks less about Luke Shaw alone and more about United’s larger crisis of leadership and accountability. When one player becomes symbolic of managerial downfall, it reveals a culture where individuals shoulder blame instead of the system being fixed.

Still, with Mourinho’s brutal words ringing in the air, the stakes around Shaw’s role have never been higher. If he falters against City, the calls will be deafening. If he excels, Mourinho’s vendetta may look like old grudges resurfacing.

One thing is certain: in Mourinho’s world, Luke Shaw isn’t just a player. He’s a managerial ticking time bomb.

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