Manchester United defenseman Luke Shaw (28) kicks the ball over Inter Milan defenseman Andrea Ranocchia (23) in the second half at FedEx Field. Manchester United beat Inter Milan 5-3 on penalty kicks.
Manchester United defenseman Luke Shaw (28) kicks the ball over Inter Milan defenseman Andrea Ranocchia (23) in the second half at FedEx Field. Manchester United beat Inter Milan 5-3 on penalty kicks. Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Louis van Gaal showed that he is also capable of protecting his players aside from blaming them, or the system, whenever his side would not get the desired result during games.

The Dutch mentor reacted to Roy Hodgson's comments made on Luke Shaw, stating that the left-back was not fit enough to be included in England's squad ahead of the Three Lions' friendly against Norway.

"He's not fit now because he's injured," said Van Gaal.

"But Roy Hodgson cannot judge him because I have never seen Roy Hodgson here at a training session."

"So I think he refers to the World Cup. It's possible, but that I want to ask."

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager revealed that the Saints Academy alumnus is on his way to be in tip-top condition.

"But for now, Shaw is doing a great job," he added.

"I said to him you came in here not fit and I changed the programme for him. "

"He has done everything he has to do to be fit, and now he is an example in the dressing room and is training fantastically."

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