Van Gaal confirms Rooney to return this weekend and praises young Shaw's fearless spirit

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has hailed Luke Shaw's positive spirit in the wake of his injury against PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday night.

Shaw could fly home from hospital in Holland on Saturday after undergoing surgery to repair the right leg shattered in the Champions League defeat earlier this week.

Speaking during his weekly press conference, Van Gaal disclosed he spoked to Shaw on the phone and said: 'He sounded very strong and that was amazing for me. That was a big surprise. That was a good signal, even though he knows he has a long way to go.'
'It's not easy but his family are there and we will send people to him and when he comes back we will have everything ready. He may come home tomorrow.'

It is understood that the break to Shaw's fibula and tibula were so clean that the lead surgeons who performed the repair on Tuesday night believe the player has the best possible chance of fully recovering from the injury.
'I have talked a lot about the total human being principle and in this case it certainly will be physical and mental for Luke. It is a big loss for the team.' Van Gaal added.

The boss confirmed that Captain Wayne Rooney would return and possibly start Sunday's game at Southampton in the Premier League.
Van Gaal said: 'It was a minor injury and we didn't want to take a risk. He has had his treatment and has trained. He can start.'