Louis van Gaal does not rate Luke Shaw, according to former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen

Luke Shaw in action against Inter Milan (GETTY IMAGES)

Former Manchester United assistant manager Rene Meulensteen has insisted that Louis van Gaal does not rate £27m England left-back Luke Shaw.

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The 19-year-old is yet to make his debut for the club after a summer move from Southampton that was agreed before Van Gaal arrived at Old Trafford.

Shaw has watched from the bench as an unused substitute in the last two matches, where Van Gaal has preferred to start Marcos Rojo, a £16m signing sanctioned by the Dutchman.

Meulensteen, asked on talkSPORT whether Van Gaal doesn’t rate Shaw, said: "Yes. It’s a big surprise for me.

Rene Meulensteen said it is a surprise Shaw is yet to play

"He would have been informed by the club that they were putting this bid in for Shaw because he’s an up and coming player.

"He’s got a good left foot and a lot of pace. He’s got a lot to learn to get to a Man United level though.

"He’s a great prospect but he’s brought Rojo in, which is bad news for Shaw."

The teenager could be in line to play this weekend with United facing a possible defensive crisis; Jonny Evans, Phil Jones and Tyler Blackett will all be missing for West Ham's trip to Old Trafford.