Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has claimed that he will ease Luke Shaw back into action as he returns from injury.
The Englishman has had a torrid time with health issues as he only played in 15 matches last season and has not yet played a minute of this campaign.
Luckily for Amorim, numerous players who have had serious injuries like Kobbie Mainoo, Leny Yoro, Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia are all returning for a busy festive period.
Nonetheless, the new coach will have observed the horrendous luck United have had with injuries from afar and the almost constant vicious cycle of the same players picking up injuries and suffering setbacks to their recoveries.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Amorim assured fans that he would not be taking any risk with players, especially Luke Shaw.
When asked about who would be returning to action at Portman Road he claimed, “we have to see; we have one more training.”
The Portuguese coach then turned his attention specifically to the England international left back.
“But Luke [Shaw], for example, is feeling fine, but we have to build his fitness during games, so we have to be careful. I think he’s a very good player, so I will take care of him and I want these kinds of players that are important in our squad for a long period and not just for a game.”
“We have some guys returning from injury, so we had some moments together, working in that indoor pitch [on] tactical work.”
Amorim then discussed the importance of managing the players’ workload, not just for the ones returning from injuries but also the numerous internationals returning from November duty with their country.
Shaw’s future at the club is very much up for debate with United and Amorim reportedly keen on improving the left wing back position with Alphonso Davies and Milos Kerkez both players the club harbour a strong interest in.
It is unclear whether Amorim will see a fit Shaw as a left wing back in his system or whether he will be considered an option as a left-sided centre back in a back three. This would provide competition for Lisandro Martinez in a role in which he has done well for United in the past.
Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
