Van Gaal Has Great Faith In Luke Shaw

Louis van Gaal is convinced that Luke Shaw will come of age at Manchester United and mature into a top-class defender.

Last summer's signing from Southampton has had an injury-affected first campaign at Old Trafford but was back in the starting line-up at Chelsea and was arguably the Reds' star performer on the day.

The teenager's performance at Stamford Bridge did not come as a shock to his manager, who has great faith in the England international's obvious potential.

"I believe in Luke Shaw so, for me, it isn’t a surprise," van Gaal told MUTV. "He played very well against Chelsea and I’m very happy for him.

"It is of course the first season of a 19-year-old boy because he is still a boy and he is growing. Maybe, next year, he is an adult on the pitch and I hope so. I believe in Shaw."

Since making his Reds debut against West Ham in late September, Shaw has gone on to rack up 18 appearances this term, but he will be aiming to nail down the left-back position as his own next term.

Daley Blind had taken over at left-back until injury to the Dutchman afforded Shaw an opportunity to reclaim his place, and he took the chance with both hands.