Left back Shaw faces at least six months on the sidelines after suffering a double leg fracture in the Champions League defeat to PSV on Tuesday.
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Manchester United released a statement on their official website yesterday morning announcing that London-born Shaw underwent surgery after the game and had remained in hospital in Eindhoven to continue his early recovery.
But Van Gaal said he could return to Manchester on Saturday.
Sadio Mane is expected to return to the Saints startling line up and after emerging as a late transfer target for the Red Devils in the summer window, Koeman will be keen for the Senegalese speedster to come back to haunt his old adversary.
Hector Moreno’s challenge left Luke Shaw with a broken leg.
Meanwhile, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has sympathised with the United defender, who was just getting back into his best form prior to the injury. Obviously he can fulfil that role and score his goals, but it would be a good combination if Martial was up front and Rooney was just off him.
“He will have a long period of rehabilitation and he has a long way to go”. He will not play in the group phase I think. Ashley Young, Daley Blind and Marcos Rojo are the main contenders.
“It has affected him (Moreno), it has affected the others and it has affected me”.
“In four competitions usually the bigger teams have double competition up front but United don’t and that is going to be the big question for the season“, the 39-year-old said. “We created many chances and had the opportunities to decide the game, but failed to finish it”. I texted him to say I would call him later because rest is also important for the recovery.
His left leg makes some contact on the follow-through, but it is always tucked away under him and not aimed towards Luke Shaw.
Van Gaal will be forced to play centre backs as full backs due to the lack of defensive depth and the Dutchman is already considering alternatives.
He said: “I have to admit he was strong and firm”.
“We have to consider that”, said the Dutch manager when asked if the striker would now be staying put.
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“Manchester United are grateful for the excellent care he is receiving and would like to thank everyone who has sent messages of support”.
