[Adam-Utd]

van Gaal never said Shaw isn't fit, he just said he needs to be fitter for the role he's playing.

He's built like a tank, always been and as he grows up he will become even larger. How can a player that's played over 30 games over a season and took part in World cup training and started pre-season training earlier not be as fit as the other players?

That's how fat he looks.

And some guy suggested he looks nothing like Rooney they've got like an identical body, apart from Shaw is more toned.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Just moving this to the right thread.

According to Rob Dawson from MEN he was doing a lot of running down the wing, beating a man and hitting a target in the box kind of training. He can't be that behind.

Which does kind of indicate the issue is as much about him needing him to work on the attacking side of his game as it is about him needing to improve his stamina.

 

[Godfather]

Just moving this to the right thread.



Which does kind of indicate the issue is as much about him needing him to work on the attacking side of his game as it is about him needing to improve his stamina.

Well LvG said he was unfit, so...

 

[Kill 'em all]

Could he have meant fit as in suitable and not actual physical fitness? But then again Strudwick is the fitness coach. It's strange to single out a single player about not being fit enough when just a few days ago he said none of the players are fit yet.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

Or maybe a bit of both. His fitness isn't quite where it needs to be and he also needs to work on the attacking side of his game. We're kind of stuck at the moment. Shaw's not a natural wing back and we've no left-footed wingers to convert into the role. No wonder Van Gaal is making Shaw work extra hard to get where he needs to be when the season starts. I just hope this doesn't backfire like it did the last time we "overtrained" someone.

 

[noodlehair]

I think that's the issue. You can exercise as much as you want but if your diet is terrible you'll always be a bit of a fat bar-steward, especially if you're an individual who is prone to putting on weight. footballers don't compete in weight classes they might not have much motivation to watch what they eat and usually only train for a few hours each day, which gives them a lot of time to sit on their arse watching telly and eating pringles.

The flipside being skinny cnuts who can eat whatever the hell they want, do very little exercise and still look really trim. The latter do tend to baloon once they go above a certain age, mind you.

EDIT: Based on the photo on the previous age I don't think Shaw is overweight, mind you.

It would have to be almost 100% terrible though. Say if footballers are running on average 5k a day in training, plus they have matches on top of that, and a fair bit of weight training. That's an awful lot of energy being used...they'd have to eat a fair bit as it is just to keep on the muscle weight I would have thought.

I mean there are indesputably overweight and/or less fit footballers even at the top clubs in the PL, so there''s no denying it happens. I'm just baffled as to how. If anything I'd have thought the perma skinny types you mentioned would struggle more as they'd be using more energy than their body would usually maintain.

I wouldn't say I have a good diet for example. I eat enough protein and good foods but then plenty of crap on top of that...yet I can stay fit and keep at 75kg fairly comfortably just by running a few times a week, keeping up weight training, and playing football on Sunday (when I'm not hungover). The only way I could really screw this up is by either drinking loads nearly every night, or not eating any protein food at all.

...actually, maybe it's the booze that's the problem. I didn't consider that.

Not that this has anything to do with Luke Shaw. To be honest, I haven't paid nearly enough attention to say whether I think he's unfit or not. I would just presume that a 19 year old athlete who just came off world cup duty about 2 weeks ago, can't be in that bad shape...and at that age can't take too long to sort it out even if he is.

 

[Speak]

That's how fat he looks.

He looks as if he puts on muscle easily (hence his huge legs), but he still looks like he's carrying too much body fat.

He can obviously still get up and down the pitch (as said earlier, their are people with very low body fat who are useless at running on a football pitch, and visa-versa) but looking at his face and arms, there's some fat there that can be stripped. He'd benefit from it, and even with low levels of fat, he'll never look twiggy with his body type - much like Rooney.

He wouldn't have played the number of games he did for Pochettino's team if he wasn't fit enough. But he can definitely be in better shape, by the looks of it.

 

[bosnian_red]

It would have to be almost 100% terrible though. Say if footballers are running on average 5k a day in training, plus they have matches on top of that, and a fair bit of weight training. That's an awful lot of energy being used...they'd have to eat a fair bit as it is just to keep on the muscle weight I would have thought.

I mean there are indesputably overweight and/or less fit footballers even at the top clubs in the PL, so there''s no denying it happens. I'm just baffled as to how. If anything I'd have thought the perma skinny types you mentioned would struggle more as they'd be using more energy than their body would usually maintain.

I wouldn't say I have a good diet for example. I eat enough protein and good foods but then plenty of crap on top of that...yet I can stay fit and keep at 75kg fairly comfortably just by running a few times a week, keeping up weight training, and playing football on Sunday (when I'm not hungover). The only way I could really screw this up is by either drinking loads nearly every night, or not eating any protein food at all.

...actually, maybe it's the booze that's the problem. I didn't consider that.

Not that this has anything to do with Luke Shaw. To be honest, I haven't paid nearly enough attention to say whether I think he's unfit or not. I would just presume that a 19 year old athlete who just came off world cup duty about 2 weeks ago, can't be in that bad shape...and at that age can't take too long to sort it out even if he is.

For most, having a month off if they don't take care of themselves could be like a shock to the system. Basically doing extreme training every day for 11 months then suddenly stopping for a month, and just sitting around on vacation could easily see them put on the pounds since their bodies were used to a certain way of living.

Don't think that's the case with shaw mind you, he looks like he's built as a tank and him being so young probably wasn't used to playing a full season and then going off to the World Cup, and then straight here more or less. That and the new position, I think it's more just working on his stamina and knowing where and when to make the runs up the field.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

It would have to be almost 100% terrible though. Say if footballers are running on average 5k a day in training, plus they have matches on top of that, and a fair bit of weight training. That's an awful lot of energy being used...they'd have to eat a fair bit as it is just to keep on the muscle weight I would have thought.

I mean there are indesputably overweight and/or less fit footballers even at the top clubs in the PL, so there''s no denying it happens. I'm just baffled as to how. If anything I'd have thought the perma skinny types you mentioned would struggle more as they'd be using more energy than their body would usually maintain.

I wouldn't say I have a good diet for example. I eat enough protein and good foods but then plenty of crap on top of that...yet I can stay fit and keep at 75kg fairly comfortably just by running a few times a week, keeping up weight training, and playing football on Sunday (when I'm not hungover). The only way I could really screw this up is by either drinking loads nearly every night, or not eating any protein food at all.

...actually, maybe it's the booze that's the problem. I didn't consider that.

Not that this has anything to do with Luke Shaw. To be honest, I haven't paid nearly enough attention to say whether I think he's unfit or not. I would just presume that a 19 year old athlete who just came off world cup duty about 2 weeks ago, can't be in that bad shape...and at that age can't take too long to sort it out even if he is.

That was a real problem for Fletcher actually (before his UC flared up) Not so much the producing energy thing (being skinny is no impediment to having great stamina, obviously) but in terms of becoming physically stronger. I remember him in an interview saying how hard he used to find it to put on muscle and how any weight that he managed to put on over the summer was all lost by the end of the season. There's a big variation in metabolic rates, most of which is down to genes. That said, no matter how bad your genes if you eat sensibly and exercise as much as a professional footballer you'll be in great shape. I reckon the footbballers you see who have a noticeable amount of body fat must be eating a lot of crap. I'm sure that's possible, though. They spend a lot of each day not doing much and if you're awash with cash yet very bored, it would definitely be tempting to comfort eat.

If you're eating plenty of crap and find it easy to stay the exact same weight then you must have a fairly high BMR. I used to be the same. Wait til you hit 40 though. You'll be having to deny yourself biscuits a lot more than you used to!

 

[Manucho the boss]

He looks as if he puts on muscle easily (hence his huge legs), but he still looks like he's carrying too much body fat.

He can obviously still get up and down the pitch (as said earlier, their are people with very low body fat who are useless at running on a football pitch, and visa-versa) but looking at his face and arms, there's some fat there that can be stripped. He'd benefit from it, and even with low levels of fat, he'll never look twiggy with his body type - much like Rooney.

He wouldn't have played the number of games he did for Pochettino's team if he wasn't fit enough. But he can definitely be in better shape, by the looks of it.

I think you're over analysing this, he has a low bf% in that pic and it's only preseason.

He's never played as a wing back before so maybe he doesn't fit the role yet rather than isn't fit.

If old man Kuyt can do the role Louis wants in ridiculous heat then Shaw better get his act together quickly.

 

[Speak]

I think you're over analysing this, he has a low bf% in that pic and it's only preseason.

He's never played as a wing back before so maybe he doesn't fit the role yet rather than isn't fit.

If old man Kuyt can do the role Louis wants in ridiculous heat then Shaw better get his act together quickly.

Kuyt barely has any excess fat on him and just has great stamina, so age isn't an issue. But I get your point. Shaw's not in bad shape, just could be better. And yes, he'll need to learn the role, and to be more comfortable receiving the ball from a stand still position. But it'll come in time.

He may only play the wing-back role for a year or two, but it'll be beneficial for when he goes back to playing full-back.

 

[SirAF]

He looks as if he puts on muscle easily (hence his huge legs), but he still looks like he's carrying too much body fat.

He can obviously still get up and down the pitch (as said earlier, their are people with very low body fat who are useless at running on a football pitch, and visa-versa) but looking at his face and arms, there's some fat there that can be stripped. He'd benefit from it, and even with low levels of fat, he'll never look twiggy with his body type - much like Rooney.

He wouldn't have played the number of games he did for Pochettino's team if he wasn't fit enough. But he can definitely be in better shape, by the looks of it.

Too much? You can see his abs!

 

[Speak]

Too much? You can see his abs!

Obviously it's nothing major, and he's not fat. He's in good shape by non-athlete standards. Maybe 'too much' is harsh. He can obviously play well enough in his current shape. But he could benefit from a tiny bit of trimming down.
I expect any Premier League footballer's abs to be visible. But I think he could do with losing a little bit. Heck, I'm sure even he'd agree that he could get himself into slightly better shape.

Like I said, I think he's a natural muscular guy. One of those who always looks like they work out, and carries their weight well even when they've let themselves go a bit, but needs to work more on keeping their body fat down.
For example, Rooney's no less trimmer than Shaw right now, and I doubt his abs will show like that.

Obviously stamina doesn't 100% correlate with how overweight someone is. You either have it or you don't. But he'd just be that bit quicker across the ground and on the turn.
Hmmmm.... I'm probably just over-analysing things.

 

[the hea]

1 assist in two season? He looked much better than that output last season. Early times, but their are sign of Shaws being a bad investment.

You can´t be serious. He is 19 years old, has just moved to one of the biggest clubs in the world, he has played 2 halfs in 2 preseason games so far and based on that you think he is showing signs of being a bad investment.

 

[Amadaeus]

You can´t be serious. He is 19 years old, has just moved to one of the biggest clubs in the world, he has played 2 halfs in 2 preseason games so far and based on that you think he is showing signs of being a bad investment.

Just a concern because of the negative signs I have seen so far. You guys seem to take things out of context though and ignore the part where I said the lad is still young and will only get better.

 

[An Irish Red]

He looks as if he puts on muscle easily (hence his huge legs), but he still looks like he's carrying too much body fat.

He just has wide hips which make him look bulkier than he actually is.

 

[Pogue Mahone]

A big arse can be a handy weapon on the football pitch. Anderson almost made a career out of his.

 

[DWelbz19]

A big arse can be a handy weapon on the football pitch. Anderson almost made a career out of his.

Ivanovic has. Aguero and Hazard have similar physiques for small players and it benefits them in jostles also.

 

[ArmchairCritic]

Think Van Gaal appreciates his wing-backs probably held his Dutch team back at the World Cup in terms of attacking threat, not much more too it I think. As LVG said the wing-back's are the specialists in this system.

 

[Juan't Mata]

Clearly Shaw isn't some kind of lazy bum given that he voluntarily come back early from his holidays. I think the individual training is just to help him adapt to his new role.

 

[SirAF]

Obviously it's nothing major, and he's not fat. He's in good shape by non-athlete standards. Maybe 'too much' is harsh. He can obviously play well enough in his current shape. But he could benefit from a tiny bit of trimming down.
I expect any Premier League footballer's abs to be visible. But I think he could do with losing a little bit. Heck, I'm sure even he'd agree that he could get himself into slightly better shape.

Like I said, I think he's a natural muscular guy. One of those who always looks like they work out, and carries their weight well even when they've let themselves go a bit, but needs to work more on keeping their body fat down.
For example, Rooney's no less trimmer than Shaw right now, and I doubt his abs will show like that.

Obviously stamina doesn't 100% correlate with how overweight someone is. You either have it or you don't. But he'd just be that bit quicker across the ground and on the turn.
Hmmmm.... I'm probably just over-analysing things.

Probably But I can see your point!

 

[Oo0AahCantona]

People on this site clearly have no fecking idea about body types if they keep claiming Rooney and shaw are overweight. its insulting.

 

[Matador8]

I'm surprised some of the media outlets haven't already started sticking the knives in.

"Luke Shaw already in exile" or something along those lines. He's probably used up a lot of mental energy being so young and signing for the biggest club in the World. He'll be fine once he settles into the routine of things.

 

[Rafateria]

It's probably got SFA to do with his body weight (which everyone here seems fixated on) and everything to do with his overall fitness (stamina, speed) which may be behind that of the other players even though they have just returned. Not difficult to fix.

 

[mu4c_20le]

van Gaal never said Shaw isn't fit, he just said he needs to be fitter for the role he's playing.

He's built like a tank, always been and as he grows up he will become even larger. How can a player that's played over 30 games over a season and took part in World cup training and started pre-season training earlier not be as fit as the other players?

Spoiler

That's how fat he looks.

I think that's how professional athletes look after a period of partying and festivities. Just because they pig out doesn't mean they will lose their muscles, and if he increased his body fat % it probably won't be visible unless he keeps on eating crap for months. Rooney has looked out of shape during preseason many times in the past few years, but he still looked fitter than 99% of us.

 

[SolidState]

I think its not a case of him not being Fit enough full stop. I would suggest he isnt fit enough for Manchester United yet. The kid has promise and could be sensational for us. The problem is hes taken a huge jump. Hes playing for a club that is used to winning titles and competing for the champions league (last season blah blah blah) and hes come from a side more known for its multiple promotions through the division than its trophy haul.

Its a similar effect with Fellaini except he was never at the base level Shaw is. I wouldnt be surprised if LVG is talking about his twitch muscle reflexes and his overall stamina and sharpness rather than his body fat content or his muscular weight (which may be high anyway). He will have to completely change the way he trains, extreme cardiovascular exercise with minimum weight training if any at all and at very low weights. Hell have to change his diet completely too, rather than stocking up on proteins, hell be instructed to concentrate on eating vegetables, lean fish and pasta for energy. It will take him about 2-3 months to fully adapt and when he does we will be in for a treat. I just hope it does not effect him mentally and defensively.

 

[WR10]

Big frame, easier to put on muscle and fat. He will have to work harder than others, otherwise he'll end up like Ando

 

[togg]

Oh yeah, me too. In fact that was the first point in last season where I started wondering whether Moyes was losing the dressing room. He seemed to be wanting to take credit for Welbeck's form which ended up, understandably, pissing the player off.

Re Shaw, I was wondering if he'd actually come out and said anything himself about his fitness. Doesn't seem he has. The last bit about "good messages from Tony Strudwick" is a bit strange. Either he lacks fitness or not. If he's unfit they're not going to turn it round in a week or two, so what are the good messages?

Van Gaal can be quite confusing in what he says. I think it's a language thing. I suspect we're going to spend a lot of time this season picking apart slightly obtuse quotes!

I've thought this from the first press conferences. To be honest his English was pretty rusty during that, which is not a criticism, just fact. However, this will undoubtedly improve during the season in the English Premier League and also in his alledged instruction for everyone to speak English. Perhaps he said that to help his own! But it can't be easy answering pertinent questions from hungry British journalists who are always trying to read a multitude of things from every word said. I think he's done bloody well so far, but definitely he will say things that confuse and are slightly unclear...

 

[Kill 'em all]

Matt Law is saying that it was Shaw who went forward and told van Gaal that he doesn't feel fit enough.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...chester-United-for-Premier-League-season.html

Luke Shaw asked Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal to put him in extra training.

Van Gaal revealed that Shaw has been given a personal training plan to undertake on his own with United fitness coach Tony Strudwick in the United States.

Shaw, though, asked for extra work himself after fearing that he would not be sharp enough for the new season.

The 19-year-old became the most expensive teenager in British football history after completing a £28 million move to United from Southampton this summer.




But Shaw's involvement in the World Cup for England meant that he travelled to United's pre-season tour of the United States short of full fitness.

He cut short his three-week break after the World Cup to return to United training a week early, but still felt he was not at the level he wants to be at.

With United's matches coming thick and fast in the United States, a large part of the first-team training is geared around playing games and recovery.

Shaw felt he needed more intensive pre-season fitness work and asked United officials whether he could do extra training with Strudwick to make sure he is in the best possible condition in time for the opening game against Swansea on Aug 16.

Van Gaal spoke personally to Shaw about the personal training programme and it is understood both men are happy with the agreement.

 

[Blue always red]

I think it's being blown way out of proportion. As a LWB your job requires you to not only defend but to be the sole attacking wide outlet. His running requirements have basically doubled from what you'd expect as a modern day fullback.

 

[JP77]

Overweight

Some people just love to embarrass themselves. Shaw is coming across bloody brilliant so far. Not only do I rate him big time but firstly he returned a week early from his holidays and now he's personally asked for extra training to get sharper in his fitness and performance. That's the kind of work ethic and attitude I love to see and the kind of attitude that separates alot of great players from the good players.

 

[Matador8]

Matt Law is saying that it was Shaw who went forward and told van Gaal that he doesn't feel fit enough.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...chester-United-for-Premier-League-season.html

Great attitude to have.

 

[Sparky Rhiwabon]

Someone explain to me how Luke Shaw is "not fit enough"?

He was fit going into the World Cup and was hardly overplayed in that. Has he just let himself go on holiday or what???

 

[Sean_RedDevil]

Someone explain to me how Luke Shaw is "not fit enough"?

He was fit going into the World Cup and was hardly overplayed in that. Has he just let himself go on holiday or what???

I don't know. But imo just a 10 days rest for him was a bit stupid by himself.

 

[Lane]

Not an ideal way to start his United career, well whatever it is i hope Shaw will be fit again really soon, not much time left before the season kick off.

 

[Gladiator]

Where did LVG say Shaw is unfit though? Difference between not quite being up to standard and just not being fit

 

[Crono]

“He is ok, but I am always a trainer-coach who sees individuals and what they need,” the Dutchman said of Shaw. “He needs to be fit and is not very fit and fit enough to do what I want. He needs to train individually until he is fit. I cannot judge that, but I see what I see. I have spoken with him and we have made a programme for him. He agreed with me.”

To the question of how long his arrival at Premier League readiness would take, Van Gaal replied: “That we have to see, but that I don’t know. I have heard good messages from Strud (fitness coach Tony Strudwick), but we have to see.”

 

[Speak]

People on this site clearly have no fecking idea about body types if they keep claiming Rooney and shaw are overweight. its insulting.

Who's actually said that?

 

[Rykker_4united]

You guys actually think he's fecking fat? Lmfao, if thats fat then sign me up!!!

 

[Crono]

He looks the second least leanest after Rooney to be honest, so I noticed when we were playing Galaxy.