The trainer reported on the left-back’s good progress on the road back from injury, although he played down expectations on when the youngster would return to action

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is astounded by Luke Shaw’s determination to return to the pitch after breaking his leg, but warns a forseeable return to action is still far away.

The left-back suffered a double fracture following in United’s opening Champions League defeat at PSV Eindhoven Hector Moreno’s challenge in September, and faces a spell of up to six months out.

However, Shaw’s determination to recover has startled, and Van Gaal revealed the the 20-year-old has made significant progress even if he still faces a significant length of time on the sidelines.

“He is already here, he is already walking with a brace, and it is unbelievable,” Van Gaal told reporters at a press conference.

“Luke is here every day here, he has started already his rehabilitation, but he has a long way to go.”

Shaw moved to Old Trafford from Southampton in 2014 and had been expected to play a big role this season after starting every game under Van Gaal before his injury.