Luke Shaw must respond to Jose Mourinho's latest criticisms, says Gary Neville

Gary Neville believes Luke Shaw's future at Manchester United hinges on his response to Jose Mourinho's latest comments.

Shaw's commitment and ambition was questioned by Mourinho, who once again omitted the left-back from his match-day squad for the goalless draw with West Brom on Saturday.

Mourinho has not shied away from publicly criticising his players this season, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan subject to his manager's wrath earlier in the campaign.

And while Phil Neville believes Shaw should be embarrassed by Mourinho's "kick up the backside", brother Gary hopes the defender opts for fight over flight with regards to his time at United.

"The harshest possible comments that can be levelled at you is that you don't train hard enough," Neville told Sky Sports News HQ. "Jose has levelled that at Luke and I obviously worked with him for a couple of years with England. This is a sensational talent, who's got many years in front of him.

Jose Mourinho has questioned Luke Shaw's 'focus and ambition' after the defender was left out of Manchester United's squad at the weekend. Jose Mourinho has questioned Luke Shaw's 'focus and ambition' after the defender was left out of Manchester United's squad at the weekend.

"He's had injury problems, which I think are his biggest issue. Jose's said some harsh things about a few players at times this season, not just Luke Shaw, and those players have responded.

"People wondered how Mkhitaryan was being treated earlier in the season, Chris Smalling had some words said against him, (Anthony) Martial as well. Shaw has to respond. This is it now. He's at Manchester United, he's got to make it work. You don't want to leave that club and have regrets at the end of your career.

"It's how Luke Shaw takes those words on. Does he think, 'That's it, that's the end for me' or does he think, 'I'll show you'. I hope it's the latter. I hope he thinks, 'I'll prove this man wrong' because I do believe in him as a talent and a player. I've seen him first-hand. He's got it to do because the manager's really throwing down the gauntlet."

Luke Shaw's commitment and fitness was questioned by manager Jose Mourinho

Shaw has started just seven Premier League games this season, while a broken leg ruled him out of the majority of Louis van Gaal's final year at Old Trafford.

However, having been a regular starter under Van Gaal when fit, Neville believes Shaw has the quality to rediscover the form he has shown for club and country.

"Temperament, I don't think, is the problem; he's played for England where I've seen he's been fantastic in front of 85,000 people. He can cope with the media attention and the scrutiny. His biggest problem has been fitness and getting back to certain levels," Neville added.

Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville thinks Jose Mourinho's criticism of Luke Shaw could bring the best out of him. Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville thinks Jose Mourinho's criticism of Luke Shaw could bring the best out of him.

"He's the type of player who looks like he needs 10 or 15 games on the run to get to his fighting weight, as it were. I saw him train well, do the right things. And he was playing well for United for Louis van Gaal, don't forget.

"I don't know what Jose's tactic is in terms of going so harsh but he's a demanding manager who wants his players to be physically tough, mentally tough; players he can depend upon. He needs consistency.

"I'm hoping, from afar - knowing him and working with him - that Luke Shaw can get back to his best because he has the talent, no doubt about that."