Saturday 3 January 2015 14:00, UK
Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre is confident left-back Luke Shaw will come back from his injury better and stronger.
Shaw was one of United’s first signings last summer and arrived at the club for around £30m from Southampton in a deal which made him the world’s most expensive teenager.
Fitness issues followed by an ankle injury sustained against Arsenal have restricted Shaw to just eight appearances for Louis van Gaal's side this term.
But Shaw made his first start in six weeks in Thursday's 1-1 draw at Stoke and Silvestre expects the 19-year-old to improve with regular game-time for United.
“His injury was unfortunate but it’s a long season and hopefully he will be able to come back and carry on where he left off,” Silvestre told Sky Sports.
"There’s a lot of pressure on his shoulders but he has got the ability and he has the right support.
“This will be a test of character for him but I think he has got all the attributes (to become a very good player). He’s part of one of the best teams in the world and one of the best clubs in the world and I can see only positives. As time goes by he will get better."
Manager Van Gaal also signed defender Marcus Rojo from Sporting Lisbon last summer and the Argentinian has already established himself as a key figure at the back for United.
"I first really saw him performing for Argentina (at the World Cup) and I was impressed by him," Silvestre said.
“I thought his game, his physical presence and his technique would fit perfectly with United’s way of playing in the Premier League so I’m not surprised and I think he will do well for the club."
