Luke Shaw set to return for Manchester United’s Carabao Cup clash against Burton Albion after Jose Mourinho hauls him out of Under-23s draw with Chelsea
LUKE SHAW is could be set to make his Manchester United first-team return tomorrow night against Burton Albion after a spell with the reserves.
The left back, who has not played since April, missed the Europa League final victory as well as the last four league games.
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Shaw, 22, suffered ligament damage in his foot during United's 1-1 draw with Swansea at Old Trafford last term.
He spent much of pre-season doing rehab work on his foot and has slowly made a comeback for United's Under-23s.
But he was left out of the squad for their 2-2 draw with Chelsea last night in Premier League 2, suggesting he and a handful of other back-up stars, including Angel Gomes and Scott McTominay could feature against the Championship side.
All three players featured as United's reserves lost 2-0 to Arsenal 10 days ago, as well as James Wilson, who has impressed up front.
Shaw was handed a 12-month contract extension over the summer and Mourinho reportedly DOES see him as the club's long-term left back.
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He also trained with the first-team squad ahead of their Champions League tie against Basel.
A combination of Ashley Young, Daley Blind and Matteo Darmian have been standing in during Shaw's absence.
But none of the above have the same blend of pace, left foot and crossing ability of the young Englishman - even if Mourinho has criticised his defending in the recent past.
It has made the team look unbalanced at times, especially when playing a right-footer like Marcus Rashford further up the pitch on the left flank.
But United remain confident Shaw can come in and do a job to help push for the Premier League and Champions League this season.
Mourinho opted not to sign another left back over the summer, after showing confidence in the likes of Darmian, Young and Blind.
United are the defending EFL Cup winners and are level with Manchester City at the top of the Prem table, while Burton are 19th in the Championship, after Nigel Clough's side picked up two twins, two draws and four defeats.