Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal backs Luke Shaw to perform in the upcoming season
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal believes Luke Shaw will have a splendid season, according to a report by The Guardian. The left back had a difficult first campaign at Old Trafford, but the Dutchman feels that the former Southampton player will improve considerably this season.
The Red Devils signed Luke Shaw from Southampton last summer but endured a horrible start to his career with United as Van Gaal declared him to be “not fit” and made him train separately.
His season report didn’t fare much better as he suffered nine different injuries along the campaign and was unable to replicate his form for the Saints in the 2013/14 season that prompted United to sign him.
Shaw opted not to take part in Under-21 internationals over the summer and instead headed to Dubai with teammate Adnan Januzaj and one of the United coaches to work on their fitness.
"I have come back to this pre-season in much better shape than I did last season," Shaw told United’s official website. “The rest has done me really well, the trip to Dubai helped also and I feel good. I wanted to make sure that I came back in good shape. I am feeling good and I’m ready for the games.”
It seems to have done the trick as the 20-year-old has impressed in United’s pre-season tour so far and Van Gaal believes that Shaw will be able to showcase his true talents this season.
“Luke Shaw is a big talent,” Van Gaal said, as reported by The Guardian. “I think that it shall be the season of Luke Shaw, that I believe. I believe in him and he has to feel that and I hope he shall show it. “
The 63-year-old also added that he was never worried about Shaw’s patchy form last season.
“He’s very young so it’s not so easy for him to come from Southampton to as big a club as Manchester United,” Van Gaal said. “He’s 20 years old (now). How many players of that age are playing in the Premier League?”
Daley Blind ready to play in any position
Luke Shaw is expected to do battle with Dutchman Daley Blind for the left back slot, but the 25-year-old is ready to play at any position the manager demands.
“I already said many times I play where the manager needs me,” said Blind, as reported by The Guardian. “Now he gives me the chance in this position and I try to do my best. I have played there before, so I know what is asked of me.”