Shaw: I've never been out of shape

Luke Shaw has been criticised throughout his career for being a poor trainer. Louis van Gaal insisted that the left-back train away from the rest of the squad after joining up with his teammates for the first time because he was unfit. Roy Hodgson, then England manager, echoed Van Gaal’s sentiments when revealing he had told Shaw, as an 18-year-old, to train harder on a couple of occasions when at the 2014 World Cup. He also claimed that Mauricio Pochettino had the same experience when he was at Southampton.

However, Shaw has spoken out today claiming that he has never been out of shape.

I guess you’ve just got to take it because there is always going to be negative criticism and positive but both of them can make you stronger. I’ve been unlucky because I’ve had a few ups and downs with different managers but I would say I’ve never been out of shape. Honestly, I feel really good and I’m raring to go, and the minutes [on tour] are only going to help me become fitter.

People can say I’m fat but I know my own body. I always look big because I’m bigger built – I’ve got that Wayne Rooney type of body.

I worked hard and not just for them [critics]. I’m working harder than ever and in the first game I want to look 10 times better than in that picture.