Luke Shaw happy to get Louis van Gaal's backing

Thursday 14 May 2015
Luke Shaw in action for England U21s during their play-off with Croatia last October
England’s Luke Shaw admits he’s had a testing first season at Manchester United, but is already looking forward to next term.

The 19-year-old arrived at Old Trafford in a big-money move from Southampton last summer, after featuring for the Three Lions in the World Cup.

He has since found his appearances for the Reds restricted by a series of niggling hamstring and ankle injuries, but United boss Louis Van Gaal has recently given his backing to the Surrey-born defender by stating: "I  believe in Luke Shaw."

Luke Shaw warms up in USA

Luke Shaw signed for Manchester United last summer

And that came as a boost to the youngster, who could be a part of Gareth Southgate’s Under-21s squad for the Euro Finals in Czech Republic this summer.

"I was really happy when I saw the manager had said that about me," admitted Shaw.

"Just to know he's got trust in me is something special and I couldn't ask for any more.

"With all the injuries, it's been quite hard. My season hasn't been the best but not the worst either."

United go into the final two games of the Premier League knowing that it would take a huge swing in goal difference to see them pipped to a top-four finish by north-west rivals Liverpool. 

And after missing out this season, the prospect of featuring in the Champions League is an exciting proposition for the left-back.

"As a 19-year-old boy, to be able to think that you'll be playing in the Champions League next season is really incredible," he told ManUtd.com.

"It's something that I want to achieve but not just me, everyone else in the squad wants to achieve it too. 

"It's one of the biggest competitions in world and we all want to show what we can do on the big stage."

By Nicholas Veevers Content Manager - FA Owned Channels