Manchester United received a welcome boost on Wednesday as Luke Shaw returned to group training at Carrington, marking his first involvement with the squad since early December. The 29 year old left back had been sidelined after suffering a setback ahead of United’s clash with Arsenal, prolonging an already frustrating spell on the sidelines.
Shaw had only just returned to action earlier in the season after an extended layoff and featured in Ruben Amorim’s first three games in charge against Ipswich Town, Bodo/Glimt, and Everton. However, his momentum was halted once again, forcing the England international into another recovery period.
His return to training is a significant boost for Amorim, who has had to deal with issues at wing backs where he deployed Dalot and Mazraoui out of positions in Shaw’s absence. The Portuguese manager opted to use Diogo Dalot as a makeshift left wing back in his absence, while Tyrell Malacia, another natural left back, has only just returned from a long term injury. Amorim will be getting the services of Lecce’s left back Patrick Dorgu as he is set to complete his move to Manchester United.
Despite Shaw’s return to training, Amorim will be cautious about getting the Englishman back to his squad as he is coming back from multiple injuries. Speaking last week, the United boss acknowledged that while Shaw is fit enough to train, it will take time before he is ready for competitive action.
“He is going to be fit to train with the team,” Amorim said. “Then we have to start with more minutes. We do not have a lot of time to train, so we have to put some exercises in 10 minutes, and then he has to do extra work to improve his fitness. I don’t know when he will play, but it will be two weeks before I think about giving him some minutes.”
With a Europa League clash against FCSB coming up next, it remains unlikely that Shaw will be included in the squad traveling to Romania. However, fellow defender Victor Lindelof, who returned to the bench against Fulham after a long absence, could be available. Manuel Ugarte, who picked up a knock at Craven Cottage, was also spotted in training.
United head into the fixture looking to secure top spot in their Europa League group. A win would give United automatic qualification for the knockout rounds, avoiding an additional playoff. Though United are struggling in the Premier League, Amorim’s men have been relatively good in Europe having remained unbeaten in the competition so far.
For Shaw, the focus will be on regaining full fitness and proving how he fits into Amorim’s style. If Shaw can continue to be fit, he will be an interesting choice in the system as his playing style is greatly suited to what Amorim employs. With Dorgu also arriving, it would be interesting on how Shaw gets into the team as the Englishman, who has been at the club for around a decade now, will be vying with a very talented and skillful Dorgu.
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