Manchester United left back Luke Shaw has reportedly returned to full training ahead of the 2016-17 Premier League season, following the broken leg he suffered in 2015.
Luke Shaw is back in full training for Manchester United after recovering from the broken leg that ruled him out of the majority of the 2015-16 Premier League season.
United confirmed the left back’s return by tweeting this image of the former Southampton man in action as the Red Devils get ready for the new campaign:
Great to see @LukeShaw23 back with the lads! #mufc pic.twitter.com/BRmHCTidM3
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 13, 2016
An ESPN FC report has stated Shaw “could make his long-awaited return for the Red Devils when they face Wigan in a preseason friendly on Saturday.”
The fixture represents his first chance to prove his value to new manager Jose Mourinho.
Shaw has been absent since last September after he suffered a double fracture in his right leg. The injury occurred during a Champions League group match against Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven, when Shaw collided with Mexican defender Hector Moreno.
If he can come back strong from what is a devastating setback, Shaw ought to become a key figure in Mourinho’s new-look squad.
United were forced to use a host of players at left back while Shaw was on the treatment table last season. They ranged from raw and unproven youngsters, such as Guillermo Varela and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, to veteran winger Ashley Young.
Naturally, Mourinho will want a more dependable option, and should feel confident in Shaw’s ability. Shaw is one of the few young full-backs in the game whose defensive chops are at least as good as his attacking skill. The 21-year-old is a sure tackler and is quick and agile enough to track players on the flanks.
When he does get forward, Shaw breaks with the sort of pace a counter-attacking advocate like Mourinho will appreciate. The latter relied on the energy and quality of young full-back Cesar Azpilicueta during his second stint at Chelsea. He can use Shaw in a similarly effective way.
Having already added 22-year-old Eric Bailly alongside 26-year-old Chris Smalling at the center of defense, Mourinho needs Shaw to help further establish a youthful, solid and stingy back four next season.
The group is sure to be the foundation of his rebuild at Old Trafford.