Phil Jones makes ‘massive’ Luke Shaw claim as Man United star nears injury return

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There have been huge improvements to Manchester United’s defence this season and they are still yet to add Luke Shaw to the mix.

The Red Devils kept their third consecutive clean sheet on Saturday evening after the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.

Erik ten Hag made no changes to the backline that helped secure a 3-0 win against Southampton the week prior. £13m summer signing Noussair Mazraoui kept his spot at right-back alongside £38m arrival Matthijs de Ligt.

Lisandro Martinez continued his partnership alongside De Ligt at centre-back and Diogo Dalot extended his impressive run of form at left-back.

Based on their good form, United’s back line currently picks itself. But that could all change when Luke Shaw makes his return from injury.

Ten Hag gave a positive update on Shaw’s recovery but admitted he would not be ready to face Crystal Palace. He should, however, be fit for upcoming clashes against Twente and Tottenham.

Luke Shaw could make ‘massive’ difference at Man United

Shaw has missed the start of the season due to a calf injury, but the 29-year-old is close to making a return.

Assuming Shaw slots back in at left-back, Ten Hag has a big decision to make in his defence with one of Mazraoui or Dalot set to miss out.

Speaking on Sky Sports Premier League [September 21, 8pm], Phil Jones piled praise onto Shaw and insisted that he is a “massive” part of United’s team when fit.

“Luke’s a huge miss to this team,” Jones said.

“The threat he offers in an attacking sense, he is so quick and powerful when he is driving with the ball. A fit Luke Shaw is a massive part of this team.”

Shaw certainly is a key player for United when fit, but injuries have plagued his career at Old Trafford and he only managed 15 appearances in all competitions last season.

Jones knows Shaw well after they spent nine years together as teammates at United before Jones left the club in 2023.

Luke Shaw will have to fight for his spot

Despite failing to pick up the three points, United’s draw against Palace was one of the club’s best performances this season.

There was a clear style and identity and United dominated the ball while making quality chances – the only thing missing was the final product.

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag told Man Utd star is one of ‘best in the world’ in his position, despite warning over ‘long-term problem’

Conceding too many shots on target was a nightmare last season, but United look much more organised and compact at the back this season.

Shaw will only add to that and give Ten Hag another quality option at the back, but he still has plenty of work to do to reclaim his left-back spot.

Dalot has been doing a superb job at left-back and it would be extremely harsh to drop Mazraoui too after hitting the ground running from his summer move.

Expect Shaw to play a part in the coming weeks, but he is by no means a guaranteed starter.