Manager Jose Mourinho said Luke Shaw used “his body with my brain” during Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Everton and has told the club’s young players they need to “grow up” quickly.
Defender Shaw, 21, made his first appearance since January on Tuesday night and it was his injury-time shot that led to the penalty from which Zlatan Ibrahimovic equalised.
“He was in front of me and I was making every decision for him,” said Mourinho.
“He has to change his football brain.”
On Monday, Mourinho questioned Shaw’s commitment and focus.
Shaw’s appearance as a substitute against the Toffees was only his 16th match of the season for United and, while elements of his display pleased Mourinho, the Portuguese had a warning message.
“We need his fantastic physical and technical qualities but he cannot play with my brain,” added the Old Trafford manager, who sent on Shaw only after Ashley Young’s injury.
“He must accelerate the process. Twenty-one is old enough to have a better understanding. He has a future here but Manchester United cannot wait.”
Shaw was left out of the United squad altogether for the draw with West Brom on Saturday, which led to a meeting between Mourinho and the full-back, who signed from Southampton for £27m in 2014.
Shaw was not the only United youngster singled out by Mourinho after United had drawn for the ninth time at home in the league this season.
England striker Marcus Rashford scored eight times in his first 14 Premier League games but has not found the net since 24 September.
Rashford had one early chance saved on Tuesday, although he was flagged offside, and then struggled.
Mourinho says the 19-year-old is suffering from a major lack of confidence.
“The kid is desperate,” said Mourinho. “He tries and tries.
“It is not a surprise in the second year. One day I will try to find out if it happened with Ryan Giggs or one of those guys.
“I must not kill him. I have to help him because the kid is phenomenal.”
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