Two Manchester United players are nearing a return to fitness in what could be a huge potential boost for Erik ten Hag, according to reports.
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United have suffered with a fair few injuries this season but it looks like the bulk of these players are beginning to return.
United have been without their first-choice back four since the beginning of the new Premier League season and have struggled defensively as a result of this.
Well, it seems that Ten Hag is finally set to get a bit of rest bite with two key men on the verge of returning for the Red Devils as they have a big month of fixtures ahead of them.
Left-back duo make progress
According to a report from ESPN, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are nearing a return to full fitness, in what would be a huge potential boost for the 53-year-old Dutchman. No specific timeframes are quoted.
Shaw has been out of action since he suffered a muscle injury towards the end of August, this injury led to Sergio Reguilon being brought into the United team.
The Spanish left-back has struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford and with the England international defender set to return soon, Reguilon may well be limited to a bit-part role.
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As for Malacia, the Dutchman has not made a single appearance for the Red Devils this season after suffering an injury towards the back end of last season. Reguilon may well be third choice once the former Feyenoord left-back returns.
Shaw’s return
It’s not an over-exaggeration to say that Shaw’s return could be the key for United to finally begin to look cohesive in an attacking sense. Paul Scholes believes the defender’s loss has been crucial.
Shaw’s link-up with Marcus Rashford, in particular, got the best out of the United forward so the defender’s return could be key for their attack, in addition to providing crosses for Rasmus Hojlund.
Another aspect is the amount of progressive passes Shaw completed last season, which really helped to get United up the pitch.
Shaw completed 140 progressive passes last season. When compared to Diogo Dalot, the Portuguese defender completed just 92. The Englishman is a real difference-maker.
