There is always mixed injury news at Manchester United, with players recovering to full fitness, and others dropping out.
Antony and Mason Mount were late withdrawals after training last week, while the big positive was the return of Luke Shaw.
Shaw was making his first appearance since August, helping Manchester United to a 3-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park.
He lined up at left-back, although there had been some debate over whether he should play in the centre, and completed 76 minutes on his return.
Luke Shaw returns helps
Wes Brown told MUTV’s Matchday Review that he was relieved to see Shaw return. He said: “I think you need your best players all the time and Luke has been one of our best players for many years. This is his first game for a while, a clean sheet, gives you a confidence booster.
“I’m sure as games come he will get even better as well.”
Shaw had one shot at goal, won one tackle, and made three clearances. There will be more testing games upcoming, but this went about as well as could have been expected.
United’s attacking players rightly took the plaudits, with all three forwards scoring goals. But the defence handled their task well.
Manchester United fans delighted to see Shaw back
There was plenty of positive discussion about Luke Shaw’s return performance on social media, with fans glad to see him make his comeback, observing the importance he has to the first team squad.
One supporter wrote on social media: “We looked more comfortable today with Luke Shaw back in the team.”
Another echoed: “Luke Shaw was my man of the match first game of the season and makes it look easy.”
A third added: “Luke Shaw was out for 12 weeks and didn’t look out of place at all. what a footballer.”
Then there was the classic trope, “Luke Shaw being back feels like a new signing,” wrote one supporter.
“Luke Shaw is back to save our season,” and “It was clear to see how Luke Shaw is important to this team,” added others.
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