Van Gaal claims £27m Shaw isn't fit
New Manchester United signing Luke Shaw has been made to train alone - because he isn't fit enough, says manager Louis van Gaal.
Shaw became football's most expensive teenager after a £27 million ($56.8m) move from Southampton.
But the 19-year-old left-back is not at the level of fitness required by van Gaal after a disappointing World Cup campaign with England.
Needs to be fit
The Dutch manager said: "I am always a trainer who sees the individuals and what each player needs.
"Luke needs to be fit and he’s not very fit and can’t perform how I want. He needs to be fit and to train individually.
"I can’t judge why. I see what I see. I have spoken with him and we have made a programme with him. He has agreed.
"How long? That we have to see, but that I don't know. I have heard good messages from Strud (fitness coach Tony Strudwick) but we have to see."
Broken squad
After claiming that he had inherited a "broken" squad, Van Gaal's words are surely a dampener for United fans who have high hopes after a season of discontent under David Moyes.
Shaw is United's first-choice left-back following Patrice Evra's departure to Juventus.
Source: Reuters
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now