Luke Shaw made his long-awaited return to action when Manchester United overturned Newport County away from home yesterday.
The Red Devils secured their progression in the FA Cup after a six-goal thriller against the Exiles at Rodney Parade saw United reign victorious 4-2 by the full-time whistle. They’ll face either Nottingham Forest or Bristol City away in the fifth round.
Erik ten Hag was granted fitness boosts in the form of numerous returning Reds, with Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and Shaw all deployed from the offset for the first time this calendar year.
Shaw featured for 82 minutes after being out of action since December 23 with a hamstring complaint and from August through to November, he missed 10 straight Premier League matches with a muscle issue in what’s been another unfortunate injury-plagued campaign for the left-back.
The manager will be hoping that now Shaw’s back at his disposal and United have significantly fewer games on the horizon from now until the summer, his key man can stay fit and available as the side look to claw their way back up the table and oversee a promising cup run.
Pundit lauds Shaw upon his return to the fold
Reacting on BBC Sport to the England star’s involvement, Danny Murphy heaped praise on Shaw’s shoulders.
“I always think Man Utd look a better side when Shaw is in the team. He’s good defensively, calm on the ball and gets forward well. They have missed him,” the pundit claimed.
