Manchester United: Luke Shaw urged to take pay cut and leave Old Trafford

Former Chelsea midfielder Andy Townsend has urged Manchester United defender Luke Shaw to take a pay cut and leave the Red Devils as he isn't going to get much joy at Old Trafford. The former Southampton man's career since moving to Manchester has been plagued by injuries and he has fallen out of favour with Jose Mourinho.

The 22-year-old, earning £130,000 per-week at Old Trafford, is yet to make a start for the 20-time English champions in the 2017/18 season. The left-back has two appearances to his name and both of them came off the bench in their Carabao Cup victories over Burton Albion and Swansea City.

Tottenham Hotspur have been touted as a possible destination for Shaw, who are on crossroads regarding the future of Danny Rose after not making the squad against Arsenal in the north London derby last weekend. However, Mauricio Pochettino denied any squabble with the player and praised him for his performance against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in mid-week.

Rose remains heavily linked with a move to United, with the latest reports suggesting Jose Mourinho's side are ready to make an offer in January. Rose's future in north London has been under scrutiny since a summer interview where he questioned Tottenham's transfer policy and revealed his desire to join a club who are ready to pay him what he feels he is worth.

Townsend insists that with Rose coming to United, Shaw should weigh his options and move, even if it involves taking a pay cut.

"Yes he should consider a pay cut," Townsend told Sky Sports' The Debate Show, as quoted by the Express. "At Luke's age, he has to contemplate that to get regular football. He can't stay at United forever and not get a game. Money cannot be his God at this stage of his life."

Townsend was backed by Phil Neville, who believes that Shaw is at an age when money should not be a factor when choosing clubs as it is the time for development. The former United defender insists that Mourinho is among the best defensive coaches in the game but Shaw is not working hard enough to guarantee a spot for himself.

"Mourinho has to play Luke Shaw. He's at a point where he should be playing football. He wants to learn how to defend and Mourinho is one of the best defensive coaches in the world," Neville added.

"Is he doing everything he should to get a spot in the team? The penny needs to drop for Shaw, but I'm not sure United is the best place for him."