Luke Shaw edging closer to Man Utd return after 'cautious' approach to recovery from latest injury setback

The 29-year-old left-back has endured a difficult period with recurring hamstring and calf issues, limiting his appearances for Manchester United to just five in the past year. After making only three substitute appearances for United in this campaign, the England international suffered another fitness setback in December, further prolonging his absence from the team.

At the end of January, Shaw was spotted in individual training sessions, sparking optimism that he was nearing a return to full fitness. The Mirror has since claimed that Shaw could be out for another four weeks after suffering another setback, but The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath has contradicted that timeline, stating that while the full-back will be unavailable for United’s FA Cup fourth-round clash against Leicester City on Friday, he is expected to resume full training next week, with the club taking a more 'cautious' approach to his recovery.

United manager Ruben Amorim has emphasized that Shaw’s return to competitive matches will be gradual as the coaching staff aims to avoid rushing his recovery.

“It can take a little bit more time,” Amorim told reporters last week. “I think he needs to train more, to spend more time with his team-mates playing even like normal, small-sided games, not just working alone. When I feel it is the right moment, we will start with some minutes in the games.”

Shaw has been ruled out of Friday’s FA Cup tie, but may be targeting a return to action for Manchester United’s next Premier League outing against Tottenham on Sunday, February 16.