Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw has been a standout performer for the Reds since he returned from a long-term muscular injury.
On Boxing Day, Erik ten Hag will be hoping Shaw doesn’t add to his selection issues and avoids the referee’s notebook this evening as the Reds host Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
United have already had a duration of time without their key left-back this season after he suffered a muscular injury in the summer. We struggled in his absence because Tyrell Malacia has been out injured too.
This led to the decision of signing Sergio Reguilon from Tottenham to provide cover, but the Spaniard has not pulled up any trees during his time at the club. I highly doubt he will be kept after his loan deal expires.
That said, United may need to call upon Reguilon if Shaw gets booked against Villa. A yellow card would see the England international suspended for one game.
United travel to Nottingham Forest in the New Year for their first away trip of 2024.
Shaw currently has four yellow cards to his name in the Premier League.
However, after matchday 19 which starts of Boxing Day, the threshold for booking suspensions changes.
Following tonight’s game, players will not receive a ban if they reach five yellows. Instead, we will see the suspension upgraded to two matches if they reach 10 bookings before matchday 32. If they avoid this, they are in the clear until the end of the season.
Diogo Dalot returns to the squad after serving a one-match suspension for his two yellow cards at Anfield.
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