Ian Wright described Jose Mourinho's treatment of Luke Shaw while he was in charge of Manchester United as 'horrible' and 'degrading'.
Shaw has emerged as one of United's most important players this season and is finally fulfilling the potential that tempted United to make him one of the world's most expensive teenagers when they signed him from Southampton in 2014.
It's been a long journey back for Shaw, who suffered a double leg fracture under Louis van Gaal and was in and out of favour under Mourinho. Mourinho's most memorable criticism of Shaw came after a league match against Everton in 2017.
"He [Shaw] had a good performance, but it was his body with my brain," Mourinho said four years ago. "He was in front of me and I was making every decision for him."
What Mourinho said about Shaw's performance against Everton in 2017
Wright praised current United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for bringing the best out of Shaw with his renowned man-management skills.
“Yes, Ole has to get a lot of credit and when you listen to Ole speaking about him, he said that he loves talking to him, talking about his fitness and how fit he’s got and all the problems he had to get himself to a place where is playing now," Wright said prior to United's FA Cup meeting with West Ham. "Remember, Luke Shaw, we saw him come here from Southampton and he was a fantastic player, whatever happened here, the injuries or whatever, he kind of like fell off a little bit.
"But to hear some of the things the manager was saying, he’s only playing well because I was in his ear and things like this - it was really horrible for me to listen to.
"Quite degrading of him as a really good player and I’m pleased he’s turned it around to the point where we’re seeing him playing that type of football but he’s looking even more comfortable, fitter, stronger and first in all his sprints and runs.
"Now, he’s showing exactly what he’s capable of doing. I’m delighted for him and long may it continue.”
