Shaw: Tour Helps New Signings Settle

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw believes this year's pre-season tour to the United States will be "the most important time" in the development of the club's summer signings.

United completed the first deal of the summer earlier this month when Memphis Depay's switch from PSV Eindhoven was confirmed and the Dutch forward will experience his first taste of life as a Red as part of Tour 2015, presented by Aon.

During the visit to the States, Louis van Gaal's men will take on the likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain as part of the International Champions Cup in July, a tournament that United won last year.

Shaw, who made his unofficial United debut during last summer's 7-0 win over MLS side LA Galaxy after completing a move from Southampton, believes the tour can have many benefits for new signings.

"It’s the most important time to get to know everyone and settle into the group," he told ManUtd.com. "The players that have come here in the past few years will say exactly the same thing and know how it feels. It’s never easy coming to a new club but everyone here is great and really helps you.

“A positive pre-season can help you through the whole campaign, and it’s something that I’m personally looking forward to. Going on tour and playing against some great teams is something to be excited about.

“It involves hard work for the players, but also for the coaches, who know what they need to do to get the players ready for when that first game of the season comes. Game-time is obviously important as well, you need games to get your match fitness back up."

When asked to name the biggest thing he took from last year's tour, Shaw added: “I’ve said it before, but just the size of the club and how big the fanbase is."