ENGLAND footballer Luke Shaw has brushed off criticism for mimicking “your mum's on benefits” for a TikTok trend – despite being paid £150,00 a week while injured, according to a friend.
The 29-year-old came under fire for starring in the clip alongside his partner Anouska Santos' close friend Molly-Mae Haag at a New Year's Eve party where friends drank shots from a £200 bottle of tequila.
The controversial video was met with anger by fans who said it “made them sick” after the player's long spell on the sidelines.
But those close to the Manchester United defender say he has “grown a thick skin” in response to online hate – and his focus remains on getting fit for the match.
A friend told us: “Luke Shaw is used to the reactions he gets every day and people joke with him about the fact that he gets paid more for being off the pitch than on it because he's always injured.
“Even though the TikTok video was filmed at a private gathering, it went viral, but Luke had no problem with it.
“For him it was just a bit of light-hearted fun.
'He is so used to the abuse that it doesn't bother him.
“Everyone was in the mood to party and had a great night – drinking some Class Azul Reposado – a very expensive tequila that is currently a favorite with footballers.”
The TikTok was filmed to the popular music Mugshot Freestyle (The Northern Boys Remix).
It was shot the same night a video of Molly-Mae kissing her ex Tommy Fury was leaked to The Sun.
The Sun has contacted his representative for comment.
Shaw has played just 98 minutes in 20 games so far this season, with the club sitting 13th in the Premier League.
Man Utd insiders say he is working hard to return to full fitness quickly after posting an emotional message to fans about a setback.
“I am absolutely devastated and it is extremely difficult to face reality right now,” he said on Instagram.
“I understand that there will be people frustrated, angry and disappointed and I understand all that. No one feels that more than me right now.
“But what I can promise is that I will do everything I can to bounce back quickly and help this club achieve its ambitions this season.”
The 29-year-old shares three children, Reign, Storie and Lumie, with his long-term partner Anouska., who has been one of Molly-Mae's 'rocks' in her inner circle of friends since her split from Tommy.
Shaw signed for Man Utd in 2014 for a then world record transfer fee of £30 million.
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