Shaw to be spared PSV reunion with Man United

Luke Shaw has been allowed to miss Manchester United's Champions League game with PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday by manager Louis van Gaal after breaking his leg in the reverse fixture.

All members of United's first-team squad are normally obliged to attend home games, whether they are able to play or not.

But left-back Shaw has been spared a reunion with PSV as he continues his recovery from the double leg break he sustained in United's 2-1 defeat in Eindhoven in September, which was their opening Group B game.

"Now he is a little bit fed up with the daily routine so I give him, also because of PSV, four days off," Van Gaal said on Tuesday.

"I thought, why is he fed up? Maybe it is because of the match of PSV and every player (usually) has to watch the game from the stadium to support their colleagues."

Van Gaal added: "I think the first match was very disappointing. Not only because of the result, but also because of the loss of Luke Shaw.

"For me and for us, he is a very important player. I said in advance that he would be the revelation of the season because last season was his adaptation season and he was on his way to do that.

"Because of that I didn't buy a left-back because I had Daley Blind and also Marcos Rojo who could play in that position, and also Ashley Young.

"I think I can manage the situation, but still it is a big loss because he is in my opinion the best left full-back of Manchester United."

England international Shaw, 20, who is due to have a further scan on Friday to assess how his recovery is progressing, was injured following a challenge by PSV defender Hector Moreno.

But Van Gaal, who previously managed Mexico international Moreno at AZ Alkmaar, insists there is no question of his players seeking retribution.

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"No, my players are not doing that," he told his pre-match press conference at Old Trafford. "I am sure of that, so I don't think that shall be an issue.

"I have said also already that it was not his purpose. In football, it can happen. It is a resistance sport and it is not the first time somebody is injured with a broken leg."

United have won two and drawn one of their group games since their defeat in the Netherlands and will secure a last 16 place if they defeat PSV, who have not won an away game in the Champions League since November 2007.

Van Gaal's side have lost only once in 13 games in all competitions and are second in the Premier League following last Saturday's 2-1 win at Watford.

Captain Wayne Rooney missed that game through illness and while the forward is likely to return against PSV, Van Gaal stressed that his starting place is not guaranteed.

"No, that is not automatic. It is always a decision of the manager," the Dutchman said.

"I compare always players with each other and I take into account how fit they are and how fit they show it on the training sessions.

"That is why (Marouane) Fellaini and Rooney and (Anthony) Martial have to show it on the training ground and then I have to compare which are the best players to fit in our game plan.

"That is every match the same procedure."

Like Rooney, Fellaini and Martial trained on Tuesday after missing the Watford game.

But injuries sustained by defender Phil Jones and midfielder Anthony Herrera at Vicarage Road have ruled them out, along with Michael Carrick.
Source: AFP