Reading manager Nigel Adkins has explained that new Manchester United left back Luke Shaw will take time to adapt to his new surroundings after his big money move from Southampton this summer.

Adkins helped bring through Shaw into the Southampton first team, giving him his debut as a 16 year old against Millwall in the FA Cup in January 2012, before giving him his full debut against Swansea in the Premier League ten months later.

Shaw has gone from strength to strength, not only establishing himself in the Saints lineup but getting into both the PFA team of the year and the England World Cup squad, after earning his debut for the Three Lions against Denmark in March.

Shaw was given his first chance in the Saints first team under Adkins.
Shaw was given his first chance in the Saints first team under Adkins.

 

However, since his record breaking £34m move to Manchester United, eclipsing the fee paid for his new Red Devils teammate Wayne Rooney in 2004, his new manager Louis Van Gaal has since brandished the 19 year old as overweight, after returning late from the World Cup.

However his former manager, now in charge of Championship side Reading, has said it will take time for the wonder kid, saying "When we had Luke, he played in the youth team and he couldn't last a full game.

"Gradually, he got to the stage where he could last a full 90 minutes of the intensity of the Premier League, it's the highest level.

Adkins, 49, continued, "He's just had an unbelievable move to Manchester United, he's probably had two weeks off to recover after the World Cup, and like any new player, you've got to adjust, not just physically, but mentally.

"I'm sure the manager will do everything to manage him and develop him."