Rio Ferdinand says Jose Mourinho is testing Luke Shaw at Man Utd by not playing him

That’s according to Red Devils hero Rio Ferdinand.

Shaw, 22, has made just one appearance for United this season.

The left-back played a half against Burton in the Carabao Cup last month at Old Trafford.

Shaw has since missed United’s games against Southampton, CSKA Moscow and Crystal Palace.

And Ferdinand reckons Mourinho, who has publicly criticised the defender during his time at Old Trafford, is challenging Shaw to fight for a first-team place.

“It looks like he is testing them mentally,” Ferdinand told BT Sport of Shaw.

“Hit them with something - are you going to stay down or are you going to get up and fight? If you get up then he says yes, that's the type of man I want in my team.

“As players, that's what you want in your team. You don't want players who will get one hit and shy away from things.

“One bad pass in a game, shy away from taking the ball again for the next 10 or 15 minutes… that's not how you win titles.

“You need players who are going to be brave receiving the ball, not just physically but mentally, and saying whatever happens here going forward, I will be with you guys shoulder to shoulder.”