LUKE WHO’S FIT TO GIVE REDS A LIFT
BY LUKE SHAW is about to unveil version 2.0 after an intense private fitness campaign that has given him the chance to ignite Manchester United’s stuttering season.
Shaw has taken extra measures to boost his fitness during his long injury break – even undertaking extra sessions outside Old Trafford.
And sources at United’s Carrington training HQ say the 28-year-old star is as lean and fit as he has been for a long time – and eager to help dig Erik ten Hag out of the crisis that has engulfed the squad this season.
Shaw has been spotted working out at an exclusive fitness club and is also believed to have seen a recognised conditioning and nutrition expert with former links to Team GB and other sports stars.
His return to first-team training ahead of today’s clash with Everton at Goodison Park is a massive boost for boss Ten Hag.
After suffering what is believed to be a serious muscle tear, having played in United’s second game of the season against Tottenham in August, Shaw’s 16-match, three-month absence has been a massive blow for Ten Hag and United.
Former team-mate Marcel Sabitzer – now at Borussia Dortmund after a loan spell for the Red Devils last season – reckons he’s a dressing-room leader the club desperately need.
Shaw’s loss has affected almost every facet of United’s play, impacting goalkeeper Andre Onana right through to Marcus Rashford in attack.
He was seen by Ten Hag and United’s recruitment team as the perfect outlet for ball-playing Onana on his £47million arrival from Inter Milan in the summer.
With Argentina’s World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez – another star at ease playing out from the back – also out injured until Christmas, Ten Hag has been forced into a radical change in strategy.
Instead of a measured build-up, Onana has been reduced to mainly long-ball distribution. Rashford has also suffered collateral damage during Shaw’s enforced absence. The striker has badly missed the darting support runs and pinpoint delivery of Shaw (left) for a tally of just one goal in 15 United games.
Shaw’s return has been eagerly awaited by United fans who recognise his quality.
And it cannot come a moment too soon for Ten Hag – with United facing a critical Champions League game at Galatasaray on Wednesday, as well as crunch Premier League clashes with Newcastle, Chelsea, Liverpool and Aston Villa next month.