Luke Shaw and Ashley Young made their return to action for Manchester United's reserves on Monday evening as the Red Devils' Under-23s drew 1-1 with Swansea.

Both players started the clash at the Leigh Sports Village before being withdrawn by boss Ricky Spragia in the 58th minute, report the Manchester Evening News.

Shaw, 22, and Young, 32, took heavy tackles in the first-half which irritated Sbragia so much he vented his dismay at the fourth official but neither of them required treatment.

Shaw and Young's run-outs will give Jose Mourinho, who spent the evening at The Etihad watching City take on Everton, more options on the left-hand side he has attempted to strengthen in the transfer window.

Young was withdrawn after 58 minutes (
Image:
Man Utd via Getty Images)
Boonen (left) struck to earn United a point (
Image:
Man Utd via Getty Images)

United have shown interest in Internazionale winger Ivan Perisic, Real Madrid's Gareth Bale, Tottenham full-back Danny Rose and Celtic youngster Kieran Tierney but are yet to reinforce that flank.

Daley Blind played at left-back for the majority of pre-season and has lined up there in United's opening Premier League wins over West Ham and Swansea.

Mourinho experimented with the 3-5-2, 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formations during United's seven pre-season fixtures and wants a versatile left-sided player so United can switch systems more seamlessly, but Shaw and Young have experience of playing in a back three and four.

The transfer window closes at 11pm on August 31.

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Mourinho initially suggested Shaw would return in September and Young in October but it is understood he may have over-estimated their return dates to strengthen his need for a fourth summer signing.

Shaw has spent the best part of four months out after suffering ligament damage in the Premier League draw with Swansea on April 30 while Young injured his groin four days later in the Europa League semi-final win over Celta Vigo and had to undergo surgery.

Young and Shaw's contracts expire next year but United have the option of an additional year with the wide-men.

Belgian teenager Indy Boonen cancelled out former United academy scholar Kenji Gorre's strike to earn United's U23s a point.

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