Luke Shaw was thrown a lifeline by Jose Mourinho last night – but after first grabbing it with both hands he may have then allowed it to slip through his fingers.
The England defender was handed his first Manchester United start since April for the Champions League clash with CSKA Moscow.
And for 44 minutes it looked like he had turned back the clock with a barnstorming display that hinted at why United paid Southampton £30million for his services.
Mourinho appreciated his efforts. The United boss said: “Luke Shaw offensively was very good and made a great contribution for the team.
“Shaw had waited for a long time, it is not easy to give an opportunity to a player in matches when we need results. I wanted to make changes, but Luke managed 90 minutes and I told him it is a opportunity to increase his levels.”
Given the freedom the rampage forward after being asked to operate as a wing-back, Shaw didn’t disappoint as the Reds looked to book a place in the last 16 of Europe’s top competition in style.
Shaw even went close to getting himself on the scoresheet a couple of times as the home side dominated.
But then came calamity.
If there is one thing that Mourinho demands from his defenders – even when playing as a wing-back – it is that they keep it tight at the back.
With half-time approaching and Shaw caught high up United’s left flank, the Russians countered with intent into the gap he left behind him.
Chris Smalling was a yard too slow triggering the offside trap and when Mario Fernandes escaped, the home side were in trouble.
Fernandes found Vitinho with his cross and when the Brazilian’s shot struck Alan Dzagoev on the back before beating Sergio Romero. UEFA awarded the goal to Vitinho.