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New Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is reportedly eager to help injury-prone star Luke Shaw return to his sensational best after a lengthy period on the sidelines.
Shaw’s injury problems, which have been a constant source of frustration for fans, have been extensively documented. He has been plagued by lower leg issues which are widely perceived to be related to the horrendous break he suffered in 2015 during a Champions League tie vs. PSV Eindhoven.
He recently returned to training, with his last outing for United being the 2-1 win against Luton Town back in February. Shaw featured in three games for England on their way to the Euro 2024 but he picked up a calf issue just before United’s season kicked off.
He suffered several setbacks in his recovery, which have so far kept him from playing even a single minute of action this term.
In his absence as well as that of his deputy Tyrell Malacia, United have been without a senior left-back. Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof have all been deployed on that part of the pitch.
As Amorim took charge of his first training session at Carrington on Monday, it appeared that Shaw was playing on the left side of a three-man defence.
GIVEMESPORT reveal that Amorim is fully aware of the 29-year-old’s fitness problems and will carefully manage him to ensure maximum availability.
“Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is determined to give Luke Shaw the opportunity to rediscover his best form and put his injury nightmares behind him instead of leaving him by the wayside during the early stages of his reign in the Old Trafford dugout, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.”
“Amorim has obtained detailed briefings on Shaw’s fitness and injury history since heading into the Manchester United hot-seat, according to GMS sources, and he is keen to help him make a successful return to action instead of casting him aside as preparations are made for the fast-approaching January transfer window.”
“There is an intention to build a strong bond and engage in open dialogue over his condition as he comes back into contention for game time in the upcoming fixtures.”
GMS add that Shaw is “desperate to prove his worth” to the club following Ten Hag’s sacking late last month.
It’s understood that Shaw’s availability is likely to have an impact on United’s transfer plans. In addition to plying his trade at left-back, Shaw can also be effectively deployed at left-back. The number of games he plays will help inform United’s choice of which positions are in need of strengthening.
Shaw is finally set to make his return to competitive action on Sunday when United travel to Portman Road to face Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich Town.
If Shaw does indeed start, it will be interesting to see how Amorim uses him.