Jose Mourinho will need all hands on deck for Manchester United as he prepares to face bitter rival Pep Guardiola on the pair’s first-ever Manchester derby against each other. The Red Devils will be boosted by the news that Luke Shaw will play the match, despite withdrawing from the England national team due to injury.
Shaw was sent home from the national team camp ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Slovakia. Manager Sam Allardyce stated that the left-back has some muscular pain, but he should be fit enough to play the Manchester derby next Saturday.
“It’s a slight problem with the leg. A little ache, muscular,” said Big Sam about Shaw’s injury, according to The Mirror.
“With what he’s been through, we didn’t want to take a chance. It’s the calf where the break was.
“He’s done exceptionally well given the games he’s played, but he didn’t feel comfortable so the wise thing to do was send him back to United.
“He wasn’t starting (against Slovakia) anyway. I’d be surprised if he wasn’t okay for United’s next game.”
Luke Shaw has been in sublime form in all three of Manchester United’s games this season. He missed out most of their last campaign after suffering a horrific broken leg against PSV in the Champions League last September. The 21-year-old returned to training earlier this year and seems to have put the injury behind him.
The former Southampton academy player joined United two years ago in a deal worth a reported £30 million. He is widely regarded as one of the best left-backs in the Premier League, and has helped solidify that reputation in the early days of this season. Shaw’s defending is tight, but his forward movement has been brilliant, especially when he has shown attacking intent from the left wing.
Man United will definitely be boosted by the news that he is expected to be fit for the derby, especially considering that the match may come too early for right-back Antonio Valencia. The Ecuadorian returns to Manchester just a day before the derby after fulfilling his duties with the national team.
