Manchester United hopeful over Luke Shaw boost as Erik ten Hag offers quadruple injury update

Tyrell Malacia is finally on track to return for the Red Devils after multiple setbacks
George Flood15 February 2024

Manchester United are optimistic that Luke Shaw will be fit for Sunday’s trip to Luton, while Tyrell Malacia is finally closing in on a return to training.

England left-back Shaw started as usual for the Red Devils in last weekend’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa, but was replaced by Victor Lindelof at half-time with Erik ten Hag subsequently describing the move as “precautionary”.

Thought United ended up securing a dramatic late win at Villa Park courtesy of substitute Scott McTominay’s thumping header after Rasmus Hojlund’s early effort was cancelled out by Douglas Luiz, they became notably vulnerable down the left-hand side without Shaw as centre-back Lindelof struggled to cope out of position against the likes of Leon Bailey.

Right-back Diogo Dalot has operated at left-back for United in Shaw’s absence in the past, but Aaron Wan-Bissaka also being sidelined at present makes things more difficult for Ten Hag in that respect.

Fitness battle: Luke Shaw played only the first half for Manchester United at Villa Park
Manchester United via Getty Imag

Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has also deputised there in the past, as well as Malacia, but it seems that United are hopeful that Shaw is on track for what is bound to be a tough and physical test against relegation battlers Luton at Kenilworth Road.

The likes of Wan-Bissaka, Malacia and Mason Mount all remain sidelined though, along with Lisandro Martinez and Anthony Martial.

Asked for an update on Shaw at his pre-Luton press conference on Thursday, Ten Hag told reporters: "He is doubtful for the weekend, but we are positive he can make it.

“So, he fell out [of the game against Villa], it was a precaution and I think it was the right decision, especially when you, afterwards, win the game. But we work until Sunday.

"First, Aaron Wan-Bissaka will take some weeks because he picked up another injury in the training last week. Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia will take some more weeks.”

Ten Hag was pressed for a further update on Malacia, who has not played at all yet this season due to numerous setbacks suffered during his recovery from injury.

The versatile Dutch defender made 39 appearances across all competitions for the club last season after joining in a £14.7million deal from Feyenoord.

"Yeah, he had setbacks during his rehab process,” Ten Hag said of Malacia. “It takes too long, it's bad for him. Bad for us.

“But now, we turned a point and it's positive, he will return soon on the pitch. I don't think then it will take long before he's returning in the team training."

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