‘Outstanding’ Utd ace finally edges closer to long-awaited return to action, Amorim will be relieved

Luke Shaw has stepped up his injury recovery and is now closing in on his long-awaited return to action.

Indeed, the defender last played a club match for Manchester United on February 18 and is therefore approaching the nine-month mark since fans last saw him take to the turf in red.

He did, however, manage to reach full fitness in the summer, which allowed him to feature for England in the quarters, semis and final stage of Euro 2024 in Germany – albeit only making the starting XI for their defeat to Spain. 

Upon his return to Carrington for pre-season training, he quickly sustained a calf injury and was ruled out of the beginning of the 2024/2025 campaign. Shaw then suffered a setback late last month, consequently pushing his recovery back even further.

Shaw edges closer to his long-awaited return to club action

The ‘outstanding’ 29-year-old has been spotted getting involved in first-team training with his teammates today, though, suggesting his return to the fold is now on the horizon. Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot have been taking turns deputising on the left flank due to Shaw and Tyrell Malacia’s extended absences.

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

As such, it will come as a significant boost for Ruben Amorim to have the Englishman at his disposal for the start of his tenure. Not only because the side has been without a natural left-back for so long but also because it means Mazraoui can take the reins at right-back and allow Dalot to have a much-needed rest, having started every game this season and a whopping 48 in 2023/2024.

The forthcoming international break will also give Shaw an extra fortnight to build up his match fitness, along with fellow absentees Malacia, Leny Yoro and Kobbie Mainoo – all of which have been ruled out of Sunday’s home clash with Leicester City.