Luke Shaw says he underestimated just how good the setup and quality of players is at Manchester United after manager Louis van Gaal told him to get fitter.
The no-nonsense Dutchman’s words were something Shaw whole-heartedly agreed with after his $27million move from Southampton to Old Trafford following the 19-year-old’s World Cup debut with England.
It’s been a quick rise for the youngster but Shaw, speaking after United’s 5-3 win on penalties against Italians Inter Milan on the outskirts of Washington DC, believes what’s in place at his new club is the best he’s seen yet.
“It was a surprise. I didn’t come into United thinking it would be much harder,” Shaw said.
“That’s something that I think I made a mistake on. I thought it was just going to be the same, but it’s the biggest club in the world and there are world-class players in training.
“That is something that is going to push me on.”
Shaw was forced into a mammoth training session on Tuesday ahead of the game with Reece James expected to start, however the 20-year-old was pulled out of the game through injury allowing the England man a second-half stint when he replaced Antonio Valencia.
“I want and need the staff to push me on so they can do what they want. It will only help me in the long run,” said Shaw, who played 45 minutes but said he could have put in a full shift.
“To play in this formation you have to be really fit. I am fit but I am not at the high level he (Van Gaal) demands.
“I have got to get fitter to get up and down (the wing). It’s something I have got to work on.
“The focus is now to get fitter and fitter and to be flying by start of season.”
Van Gaal was pleased with what he saw from Shaw.
“I asked him in spite of a very heavy training session this morning and I think he did very well.”
Main image courtesy of MUTV via YouTube, with thanks.
