To play through pain or not to play through the pain?

The hot topic among Manchester United fans is currently should players play through minor pain? I am of the view that any player who aspire for greatness will and must deal with minor injuries throughout their career. All the great sportsmen learn to play with minor injuries, if they are not able to do that there is no way they can achieve longevity in whatever sport discipline they pursue. Let's look at the average person, if we want a long life there will be times that you wake up from your bed not 100 %. You have to persevere if you don't you won't be able to do anything because your little aches and pains will keep you back.


When Jose Mourinho criticized Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw for not being committed enough to play through injuries Manchester United fans began criticizing him for not only, that this should have stayed behind close doors but also some agreed if a player is not fit, they should not play. Ladies and Gentlemen this is Manchester United, the biggest club in the world. the expectation is to have the best, not mentally weak players who refuse to play because of minor injuries. I fully endorsed Jose letting the world know and more specifically the fans, that the whole culture at Manchester United has to change and it will take time. Yes some may argue if a player is not 100 % and when he plays he puts his team at an disadvantage, therefore  the right call was not made. Agreed but in that case it is up to the manager to decide. At the end of the day the manager want the desire and commitment that the player despite the pain barrier is willing to play through pain for the team. That's all Jose Mourinho wants from everyone of his Manchester United players. I hope all the players get in line.