In a huge boost for Manchester United, Luke Shaw has resumed training with the first team after a lengthy injury layoff.
The 29-year-old Shaw has not yet played a minute for the Red Devils this season. Tyrell Malacia, a Dutch international who hasn’t played for United since May 2023, has been sidelined due to his ailment, which has made matters worse.
Due to this combination, Erik ten Hag, who recently left, and interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy will not have a veteran left-back to rely on during this season.
The players most often used in this new position have been Diogo Dalot; Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui have also filled in, but all three have had difficulty. Similarly, without the assistance of a natural left-sided fullback, the left-winger who was fielded ahead of these out-of-position defenders has occasionally struggled.
This is why the team will benefit greatly from the video that Sky Sports reporter Ben Ransom uploaded.
In the video, Shaw is seen taking part in a “rondo” drill, which is a game in which two players in the centre attempt to return the ball while the other players keep it in a circle.
Despite his apparent leanness, the 29-year-old defender appears swift and light on his feet.
Shaw has previously frequently failed to meet expectations regarding his physical appearance and level of fitness when recovering from injuries. The England international appears to be exhibiting the opposite of this, which is encouraging for his comeback.
On Sunday, United will host Leicester City at Old Trafford. Even with a nominal left-back on the field, United should have no issue defeating the Foxes, who are in 15th place in the Premier League standings and a recently promoted team.
Waiting one more game, which would give the defender the whole two-week international break to finish getting up to speed, seems like a smart move given how cautious the team has been in their approach to recovering Shaw from his most recent injury issue.
Shaw’s return would thus be able to take place during the November break when new manager Ruben Amorim would arrive from Sporting Lisbon.
It will be a relief to be able to start using the 39-year-old’s tactical system with the club’s most talented fullback fully recovered. The system mostly relies on wingbacks with strong technical skill levels.
