Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has questioned whether Luke Shaw's move to Old Trafford from Southampton last summer was too soon for the youngster.
The 19-year-old, who cost United in the region of £30m, has struggled with fitness and injury concerns in his debut season for the North-West outfit.
Due to his latest injury problem, the left-back was left out of Gareth Southgate's England Under-21s squad for this summer's European Championships in the Czech Republic.
After Shaw's omission, rumours circulated claiming that Southgate was ordered not to reveal the details behind the defender's absence.
In this afternoon's press conference, Van Gaal said: "I have read I am the winner. The winner is Luke Shaw. Maybe it was too fast the step from Southampton to Manchester United.
"We have to protect him. He can develop himself into a great talent. Roy Hodgson, Gareth Southgate and Manchester United will benefit from that."
Meanwhile, Van Gaal has confirmed that captain Wayne Rooney is fit for Sunday's final game of the season against Hull City, but goalkeeper David de Gea remains a doubt due to a hamstring problem.
Danielle Joynson
