Picture: Forgotten United star makes shock return to Amorim’s squad for the Manchester derby – report

Manchester United are gearing up for the all-important Manchester derby on Sunday against their noisy neighbours Manchester City and Ruben Amorim will be delighted with the surprise return of one particular star.

The Portuguese head coach had explained that Kobbie Mainoo had a chance of making the matchday squad and the Carrington graduate was seen arriving at Old Trafford.

But in a shock twist, Luke Shaw was also spotted arriving at the Theatre of Dreams with his boot bag, which indicates he will be part of the squad.

Shaw back

Luke Shaw est de retour dans le groupe 🔙 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/eS1nrepg4n

— Manchester United (@MUnitedFR) April 6, 2025

The England international has missed four months of action since the ex-Sporting CP boss’ arrival and his return could be a huge boost given Lisandro Martinez and Ayden Heaven’s absence.

The 20-time English league champions do not have a left-footed centre-back option and Shaw has excelled in a three-man system in the past.

Shaw, who has managed a 98 minutes of action this season and played three times under the Portuguese head coach, was supposed to be back in no time.

But as has often been the case with the 29-year-old, he ended up suffering a setback and United have had to be extra careful with his rehabilitation.

No De Ligt

As indicated by Amorim in the presser, Matthijs de Ligt was not seen arriving at Old Trafford while there was no Chido Obi as well. The Dane had missed the Nottingham Forest game due to his involvement in the FA Youth Cup.

In De Ligt’s absence, Godwill Kukonki made the cut with the 17-year-old impressing Amorim and he is also set to earn a new contract for his displays for the Academy. Fellow Carrington graduate Harry Amass has also been included.

As revealed by The Manchester Evening News, Harry Maguire, Manuel Ugarte, Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee are all part of the squad with a total of 20 players accounted for.

Confirmed arrivals: Goalkeepers: Andre Onana, Tom Heaton, Altay Bayindir.

Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Victor Lindelof, Godwill Kukonki, Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu, Harry Amass.

Midfielders: Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Christian Eriksen, Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes.

Attackers: Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee, Alejandro Garnacho.

Feature image Richard Pelham via Getty Images

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