MANCHESTER -- Jose Mourinho has told Luke Shaw he must improve and develop his game if he is to win back his place at Manchester United.
Shaw, a £28 million signing from Southampton in July 2014, is set to miss United's trip to Crystal Palace on Wednesday having failed to overcome the groin problem that has seen him sidelined since the EFL Cup win against West Ham on Nov. 30.
The England left-back has made just 13 appearances in an injury-interrupted campaign after returning to full fitness this summer following a double leg fracture sustained in September 2015.
But despite Shaw's lofty reputation as one of the best young defenders in the game, Mourinho insists that the 21-year-old still has much to learn.
"He needs to improve," Mourinho said. "That is normal, because he is a kid.
"I am not expecting a young player to be perfect. A young player makes mistakes, a young players has things to learn, has things to develop. He needs to do that.
"How many matches has he already played for me? A lot. He was injured playing, not on the bench, but I need him back."
Shaw is facing a battle to be fit for United's Christmas fixture period with Mourinho admitting to reporters that he is still struggling to overcome his latest injury.