Returning Manchester United star is ‘best in the country in his position’, claims MUTV pundit

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Manchester United are hoping for a less injury impacted second half of the season.

Asking for an injury-free season would be expecting too much, but nobody expected the extent of the crisis which engulfed Manchester United in the first half of the campaign.

Whenever a player returned, it felt like two more would go down injured. Now, after a break, and time for players to recover their fitness, Manchester United are beginning to build back up in numbers.

Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Casemiro were among those to return from spells out at the weekend against Newport, and more are expected to follow.

READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2024, ins, outs, loan moves

Luke Shaw crucial to Manchester United

One of the biggest misses for Manchester United in the first part of the season was Luke Shaw, who has had two different spells out injured.

Speaking to MUTV’s The Debate, Ben Thornley expressed his view that Luke Shaw is the most important player for Manchester United to get back.

He explained: “I still believe when he’s on a consistent run of games he’s still the best left-back in the country.

“We saw his overlapping runs (v Newport). He brings a calmness, a touch of quality, he brings an attacking element as well. It was great to see the other players back and I know we will get more as the weeks go on, but for me Luke Shaw was the one I was most impressed with and happy to see back.”

Luke Shaw highly rated by Erik ten Hag

Luke Shaw has proved his quality and versatility to Erik ten Hag, featuring at centre-back at left-back under the manager.

He was rewarded with a new contract last April, which runs all the way until June 2027.

If he is to get one beyond that, he will have to prove his fitness. Shaw’s struggles this campaign have been frustrating, and he won’t want them to continue or repeat next season.

It has been even more of an issue this season because back-up Tyrell Malacia has been out all season, not playing a single minute.