Manchester United Star Takes Significant Step Toward Ending Injury Struggles

Manchester United defender, Luke Shaw, has returned to first-team training and is closing in on a return to full fitness, having been unavailable for the majority of the last nine months.

The England international played for his country during their journey to the Euro 2024 final last summer, ultimately starting in the loss to Spain after coming on as a substitute in the knockout matches against Switzerland and the Netherlands.

However, he has not played for United since February, when he suffered a hamstring injury in a Premier League clash with Luton Town. After his international excursions, the former Southampton star then picked up a calf problem in pre-season.

There was optimism that Shaw would make his comeback after the first international break of the 2024/25 season. Although that did not happen, the 29-year-old is now anticipated to be available following this month’s national team matches.

By then, Ruben Amorim will have succeeded interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy as Manchester United’s new head coach, following Erik Ten Hag’s departure.

Van Nistelrooy had confirmed Shaw was doing “pitch work and progressing” before United’s 2-0 Europa League victory over PAOK on Thursday night.

Shaw’s absence has been one part of a lengthy struggle with injuries for United, with former boss Ten Hag often hamstrung for options in defense as performances and results dropped towards the end of his reign.

His unavailability was further compounded by the fitness issues of his backup, Tyrell Malacia. The Netherlands international has not featured for his club since May 2023 due to a knee injury but has shown significant improvement in recent weeks and might be ready to return after the November international break.

Their concerns are not entirely alleviated, as Amad Diallo has become the latest player to pick up an injury. The winger, who netted twice on Thursday evening, sustained an ankle injury and is now uncertain for the match against Leicester City on Sunday.