Erik ten Hag ‘hopeful’ key defender will return for Manchester United’s clash with Everton

Since August, the defender has been sidelined with a muscle injury.

Erik ten Hag has verified that Manchester United are “extremely optimistic” that Luke Shaw will be able to make the trip to Everton on Sunday.

Due to a muscle injury, the England defender has been sidelined since August and has made just two appearances this season. However, he resumed training this week.

Left-back has been a position where United has had to improvise during his absence. Sergio Reguilon, who was acquired from Tottenham on loan in the final days of the summer transfer window, has also labored with fitness.

Additionally, Sofyan Amrabat and Diogo Dalot have been forced to fill in, so Shaw’s return will provide a much-needed lift to a squad that entered the international break as one of the Premier League’s best performers.

Shaw was a vital contributor to Ten Hag’s first-place season of leadership being fruitful. In all competitions, the 28-year-old appeared in 47 games as United advanced to the Champions League and won the Carabao Cup.

“Luke Shaw has been training with the team for the past two weeks,” stated the United manager.

“Our expectation is that he will be able to make an appearance for the team on Sunday.”

Additionally, goalkeeper Andre Onana is optimistic about making the trip to Goodison Park. While on international duty, the Cameroonian international sustained a groin injury and consequently returned to Manchester via flight.

Although he is anticipated to be cleared to play on Sunday, Altay Bayindir, an understudy, is prepared to fill in if that does not occur.

In addition to Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Jonny Evans, and Tyrell Malaica, Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen are also in doubts for United following their withdrawal from the Denmark squad during the international break.

Sunday at Goodison is anticipated to be a sweltering atmosphere, as Everton play their first game back at the club since the Premier League docked them ten points for violating financial fair play regulations.