Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is optimistic about Luke Shaw’s potential return from injury in the next few weeks, though his fitness is still uncertain.
Shaw has been sidelined for over seven months, missing the end of last season due to a hamstring injury. He returned to play for England during the later stages of Euro 2024 but is now dealing with a calf issue.
With Tyrell Malacia also unavailable, Ten Hag has faced challenges in left-back options. Lisandro Martinez and rising midfielder Toby Collyer have filled in, while Diogo Dalot has been the primary choice since the addition of right-back Noussair Mazraoui.
Shaw’s initial timeline for return was after the September international break, but that has passed without his comeback. The new target is before the next international break in October.
“I think it’s likely to be before the international break, but I can’t say for certain. The plan is to return before then, but it might take a little longer,” Ten Hag stated on Tuesday.
The squad for Thursday’s match against Twente will be the same as the one that faced Crystal Palace over the weekend. Victor Lindelof is nearing full recovery, while summer signing Leny Yoro is expected back in late November.
It remains to be seen if Ten Hag will rotate his defense for the Europa League opener, having used the same back four in the last three Premier League matches. Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire are options to ease the workload on regular starters. Ten Hag has echoed recent concerns regarding the increasing demands of a congested fixture schedule.
“As a club, you can’t change this situation alone,” he noted. “It’s a broader issue involving clubs, players, coaches, and others in football who need to work together to improve the game while finding a balance, as financial considerations are at play. We are professionals, so revenues are necessary, but we must strike the right balance.”
Luke Shaw’s return remains uncertain, with Erik ten Hag hoping for his comeback before the October international break. Shaw has been out for over seven months due to a hamstring injury and is now dealing with a calf issue. The left-back position has been a challenge for United, with Lisandro Martinez, Toby Collyer, and Diogo Dalot filling in during Shaw and Tyrell Malacia’s absence. As United approaches Thursday’s match against Twente, Ten Hag is expected to stick with the same squad used against Crystal Palace.
