Manchester United new boy Alex Telles has discussed his competition with Luke Shaw for the starting spot in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
The Brazilian-born star joined from Porto on the final day of last year’s summer transfer window, and was expected to immediately find himself in the senior side.
However, that hasn’t happened yet, and his move to the Premier League has been something of a nightmare.
Telles has found himself as back-up to Shaw, and has only started six Premier League games – having been left on the bench in the other 17 games since his arrival.
The 28-year-old’s signing seems to have given new life to Shaw, and the former Southampton man is having the best season of his career.
Shaw has cemented his place as one of United’s most valuable players, and even popped up with a goal in the Manchester Derby in March.
However, Telles insists he believes the competition for places is good for both himself and Shaw.
“I’ve always said that, when you’ve got players of the highest quality in the team, then the thing that ends up benefiting is Manchester United; the team,” he told the United website.
“Since I’ve arrived here, I’ve worked as hard as I can and I’ve done everything I can to show that I deserve to be here, and I think I’ve done that.
“At the same time, I’m really happy for Luke Shaw, who has made great progress and has been playing really well.
“He trains really well and he’s done excellently in the matches as well.”
Telles went on to discuss his relationship with Shaw, and talked about how important the competitive nature is.
Telles said: “In terms of the two of us, we both motivate each other and push each other further forward and we help each other.
“That’s really, really important throughout the team, independent of the positions we play.”
