But mindful that seeing United play against PSV could stoke some bad memories, Van Gaal has given Shaw a few days off from his rehabilitation which, the Dutchman admits, is proving to be a frustrating process for the England worldwide.
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Memphis and Luke Shaw had built up an impressive working partnership down the left flank at the start of the season before the relationship was ruined when the left back suffered his horror double leg break in Eindhoven in September.
Asked about the current injury situation for the club, Louis van Gaal responded, “It is deteriorating further, after we went 1-0 ahead we had to make more things happen”. “It’s too soon because they also need recovery time”. I think also the first half he played a very good game. “You have to be very cautious”.
“It was painful to lose in extra-time because I think we deserved to draw”, Watford head coach Quique Sanchez Flores said.
The manager also praised Memphis Depay, who played as the striker, saying: “In the first half he was superb”.
“The most important lesson from us was that we have to play the ball quicker, much higher tempo”.
Van Gaal said earlier in the season that his captain had certain privileges which ensured selection, but he clarified that this was dependent on fitness. We created clear chances, four or five.
Rooney and Martial missed Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League win at Watford with illness and injury respectively, while Fellaini returns from a calf problem, but United will be without Phil Jones and Ander Herrera, who were injured at the weekend.
“I’ve obviously got to work on that but it’s great to see Basti at the back post to stick one in at the end”.
Manchester United take on PSV Eindhoven as they look to secure Champions League group stage qualification.
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“If I answer that question, then you are writing [United are trying to sign] Robben, what you have written about Ronaldo and that I didn’t say”, he said in a news conference.
