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Luke Shaw has returned to first-team training following his protracted absence through injury in a major boost for Manchester United.
Shaw, 29, is yet to play a single minute this season for the Red Devils. This situation has been exacerbated by the continued delay to Tyrell Malacia’s return from his own injury issue, with the Dutch international not having played for United since May 2023.
The combination has left interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, and the recently departed Erik ten Hag, without a senior left-back to call upon in this year’s campaign.
Diogo Dalot has been the player most frequently deployed in this unfamiliar position, with Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui also deputising, but all three have struggled. Similarly, the left-winger fielded ahead of these out-of-position defenders has also suffered at times without the support of a natural left-sided fullback.
Which is why the video posted by Sky Sport’s reporter Ben Ransom will prove such a positive update for the team.
Luke Shaw back in training for the first time at Manchester United today since injury.
He’s not played for #MUFC since February.
Leny Yoro also present as he continues his own rehabilitation.#FPL | #FPLCommunity pic.twitter.com/2gShgt3DTn
— Ben Ransom (@BenRansomSky) November 8, 2024
Tweet: “Luke Shaw back in training for the first time at Manchester United today since injury. He’s not played for #MUFC since February. Leny Yoro also present as he continues his own rehabilitation.”
Shaw is pictured in the video participating in the middle of a ‘rondo’ drill – an exercise where a group of players keep the ball in a circle while two in the middle try to it it back.
The 29-year-old defender looks quick and light on his feet, while also appearing to be very lean.
Often in the past, Shaw has fallen foul of concerns over his fitness and physique when returning from injury. The fact that the England international looks to be demonstrating the opposite of this bodes well for his return.
United welcome Leicester City to Old Trafford on on Sunday. The Foxes are in 15th in the Premier League table and a newly promoted side who United should have little trouble in dispatching, even with a nominal left-back on the pitch.
Given how careful the club have been in their approach to rehabilitating Shaw from his latest injury issue, waiting one more game – which would allow the defender the entire two-week international break to continue getting up to speed – appears a wise one.
This would then enable Shaw’s return to coincide with the arrival of new manager Ruben Amorim, arriving from Sporting Lisbon during the November break.
The 39-year-old’s tactical system is heavily reliant upon wingbacks with high levels of technical ability; to be able to begin implementing it with the most gifted fullback at the club back to full fitness will be a welcome relief.