Manchester United's Luke Shaw Should Be Judged on Age Rather Than His Record Fee

Of the 14 players Louis van Gaal used against Everton on Sunday, four were 20 years old or younger.

Luke Shaw, Patrick McNair, Tyler Blackett and James Wilson are all judged on a number. For McNair, Blackett and Wilson it's their age. But, for Shaw, it's his transfer fee.

In accounts of their performances, it's always 20-year-old Blackett, or 19-year-old McNair. It's to let the reader know the odd mistake is to be expected because they're still so young.

For Shaw, though, it's different. He's still only 19, only slightly more experienced than Blackett, McNair and Wilson. 

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But, rather than just a teenager, he's referred to as the £27 million man.

Immediately, more is expected of him. He's held to a higher standard than Blackett, McNair or Wilson.

His appearance against Everton on Sunday was his 62nd in the Premier League. It's more than Blackett, McNair and Wilson combined. But that doesn't mean he's not still in the development stage of his career.

He's had a rocky start to life at Old Trafford. It wasn't long after he arrived that his new manager, Louis van Gaal, was questioning his fitness. 

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A hamstring injury picked up in the final training session before the last pre-season friendly against Valencia prevented him from making his debut until the 2-1 win over West Ham.

On his second start against Everton, he gave away a penalty, and was indebted to David De Gea for keeping out Leighton Baines' spot-kick.

But there were signs, as he combined with Angel Di Maria to attack a bewildered-looking Tony Hibbert, that he's growing into his new status.

The fee United paid Southampton this summer was as much to do with Shaw's age as his undoubted talent. Only 19, he could be their left-back for the next 15 years. If he is, £27 million will start to look like a bargain.

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But, like his young United team-mates, he's still got a lot to learn. He's not the finished product. How can he be when he's not yet out of his teens?

He's the most expensive teenager in the world, a full international and the youngest player to appear at last summer's World Cup in Brazil.

But it shouldn't cloud the fact that he's still a kid. Still getting better, improving by making mistakes in training and in games.

He's getting used a new club, one where the spotlight never goes out. 

He's also getting used to a new manager with new ideas. 

Van Gaal will hope to make Shaw a better player, but it'll take time. Just like Blackett. Or McNair. Or Wilson.