Louis van Gaal has given Luke Shaw a few days off in a bid to refresh the injured defender.

The 20-year-old left-back sustained a double leg fracture during Manchester United's Champions League meeting with PSV Eindhoven in September and is sidelined until at least March.

As Shaw continues his rehabilitation from surgery, van Gaal felt it would be helpful to allow the youngster a few days away from the club, meaning he will not have to attend Wednesday night's return clash with the Dutch club.

"I think he is dealing with his injury very good," said Van Gaal. "But now he is a little bit fed up with the daily routine so I give him, and also because of PSV, four days off.

"I thought, why is he fed up? Maybe it is because of the PSV match and every player [usually] has to watch the game from the stadium, to support their colleagues.

"I don't think he will be here, but I don't know. Maybe he surprises me."