Luke Shaw is back...again! Injury-plagued left-back returns to Man Utd training in significant boost to Ruben Amorim amid wing-back transfer search

The 2024-25 season has been a challenging one for Shaw, who made his first appearance under Amorim against Ipswich Town. He later featured in brief cameos during the Red Devils’ Europa League fixture against Bodo/Glimt and their commanding 4-0 victory over Everton in the Premier League on December 1. However, another injury setback last month forced him to the sidelines once again, leaving the left-back "devastated".

Shaw has now returned to first-team training at Carrington and is gearing up to return to action in February. Amorim had earlier suggested that the left-back's reintegration would be a gradual process as the manager does not want to hurry with his recovery.

“We have to put some exercises in 10 minutes and then he has to make extra work to improve his fitness," he had previously said. "I don’t know (when he will play), it is two weeks to start training before I think about putting him in for some minutes.”

With Shaw and fellow left-back Tyrell Malacia struggling with injuries, United have been actively searching for reinforcements. The club is reportedly on the verge of completing a €35 million (£30m/$37m) transfer for Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu. United had an earlier bid rejected but have since returned with an improved offer that appears to have secured the Denmark international’s signature. If finalised, Dorgu would become the first signing under Amorim’s tenure and provide much-needed depth in the left-back position.

With Shaw’s return to training and Dorgu’s potential arrival, United are taking steps to address their defensive vulnerabilities. However, United confirmed that the fixture against FCSB in the Europa League comes too soon for Shaw's return with an appearance against Crystal Palace on Sunday more likely.