The Manchester United icon backed the young England defender after the Red Devils’ Europa League defeat to Turkish giants Fenerbahce on Thursday.
Manchester United were beaten by Turkish side Fenerbahce in their Europa League group stage encounter on Thursday. A number of their big names, including striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, failed to perform in the game.
The club’s injury hit defence was in shambles as well. Left-back Luke Shaw in particular was heavily criticized after the game, with many questioning his match fitness.
Club legend Paul Scholes was not among his critics though. The Englishman has stated that he still believes Shaw can be the best in the world, despite his poor performances for United this season.
“I think he will be the best left back in the world at some point,” Scholes told BT Sport, according to the Daily Express. “He just needs to stay fit… the lad looks woefully short of games and match practice really.”
Luke Shaw joined Manchester United from Southampton in the summer of 2014, and there were huge expectations from the young English defender. However, he has thus far failed to live up to them. After an average debut season, he missed most of last season due to a broken leg.
Shaw was initially first choice under Jose Mourinho this season, but a costly error against Watford in mid-September cost him his spot. Daley Blind has since gone on to make the left-back position his own.
Injuries to Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling have forced Mourinho to play Blind at centre-back though, and this has given Shaw an opportunity to shine.
The 21-year-old had earlier stated that he would do his best to impress the manager, but Mourinho is unlikely to be too pleased with his performance against Fenerbahce. The endorsement of Paul Scholes is a big honour for the young defender, but time is running out for him to prove that he can indeed live up to all that is expected of him at Manchester United.