Man Utd Handed Major Boost With Star Set For Early Injury Return

Manchester United have been handed a major injury boost with Luke Shaw set to return from an ankle injury in time for the hectic festive period, according to the Mirror.

Shaw has been on the sidelines since being forced off during the first half of United’s 2-1 win over Arsenal at the Emirates back on November 22nd.

Scans showed he had strained ankle ligaments and the injury was expected to keep the 19-year-old out until into the New Year.

However, the Mirror are reporting today that Shaw is now back in training ahead of schedule and should be in contention for a first team place over Christmas.

If all goes to plan and the full-back doesn’t suffer any set-back, the newspaper suggests Shaw has been pencilled-in to start against Newcastle United on Boxing Day.

The news will come as a welcome boost to Louis van Gaal as the Dutchman has had to deal with a lengthy injury list since taking over at Old Trafford in the summer, with his defence particularly decimated by injury.

Ashley Young has performed very well filling-in at left-back in recent weeks and is expected to continue there against Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon, but van Gaal will be pleased to have another option available to him as it means he’ll be able to rotate and keep his players fresh over the busy festive period.

United head into the weekend fixtures in fine form having won their last six games on the spin and will be looking to keep the pressure on second-placed Manchester City with another victory at Villa Park tomorrow.