'Unfit' Luke Shaw forced to train alone

Manchester United newcomer Luke Shaw has been ordered to train alone amid concerns over his fitness levels.

Shaw joined United shortly after returning from the World Cup in Brazil but despite being away with the England national team, manager Louis van Gaal decided the 19-year-old was not fit enough to perform at the level required.

With the Premier League season just over two weeks away, Shaw was asked to train alone at Washington Redskins’ FedEx Field stadium while the rest of the squad were put through their paces ahead of the meeting with Inter Milan.

“I am always a trainer who sees the individuals and what each player needs,” Van Gaal explained. “Luke needs to be fit and he’s not very fit and can’t perform how I want. He needs to be fit and to train individually.

“I can’t judge why. I see what I see. I have spoken with him and we have made a programme with him. He has agreed. We will have to see how long it takes. I don’t know.

“I have heard good messages from Tony Strudwick the fitness coach.”

Van Gaal has confirmed plans to adopt a 3-5-2 system this season, but, as a result, some players will have to play out of position.

Wilfried Zaha has yet to play a second of United’s pre-season tour but the youngster will feature against Inter with Van Gaal hoping to play him in a more advanced role.

“He will have to play as a striker as he can’t play the other positions in the system. Ashley Young can play as a wing-back. Zaha cannot do that so he will be a striker,” Van Gaal confirmed.

“I have spoken with him and I think he can do it. We will see. He will play the second 45 minutes of this game and will play as a striker.”