Luke Shaw was still in tears yesterday as he began his recovery from a double leg break that left his former manager Mauricio Pochettino "sick".

Shaw suffered a fracture of the tibia and fibula in his right leg after a late challenge from Hector Moreno during Manchester United's 2-1 defeat to PSV.

The defender was taken to the St Anna Ziekenhuis hospital on the outskirts of Eindhoven, where he had an operation on Tuesday night.

He stayed there overnight and the day after the match, United announced their left-back would remain at the hospital “to continue his early recovery”.

The former Southampton defender received a phone call from his old manager Pochettino, who was distressed by the injury.

“I spoke with him this morning,” said Pochettino, who left Southampton for Tottenham in the summer. “He’s much better today but it is always difficult when you have that type of injury. I gave my support and wish him a speedy recovery.”

When asked what Shaw said to him, Pochettino added: “It’s difficult because he was crying. You can understand that after the big injury. Not only for the pain but everything around the situation.

“I feel very sorry for him. It was a big impact for me and I watched the moment it happened.

“I was sick after the action. My relationship with him was close and it is difficult,” said Pochettino.

Louis van Gaal claimed Shaw, who has been one of United’s best players so far this season, could play again this term.

“I am not a doctor so I cannot say that but when you have a double leg fracture it is six months,” the United manager said.

“He will not play in the group phase but I hope he can play again this season.”