Erik ten Hag sweats on Man Utd injury return in time for Aston Villa clash

Manchester United injury latest as Erik ten Hag updates on the fitness of Luke Shaw, with the Aston Villa clash on the horizon

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag admits left-back and England international Luke Shaw is in a race against time to be fit enough to return before the October international break - and so a date with Aston Villa.

Shaw hasn't played for United since February, and only managed three appearances for England at the Euros this summer - 12 minutes against Switzerland, half a match against the Netherlands and the full final against Spain. He is yet to make an appearance for the Red Devils since returning for pre-season this term, though.

United play FC Twente in the Europa League on Wednesday night, before welcoming Tottenham at the weekend and then travelling to Porto next Thursday. They then conclude this block of fixtures with the trip to Villa, who they beat home and away last year but finished four positions and eight points behind last season, but whether Shaw is involved remains to be seen.

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"I think it’s probably, but I can't say it's 100 per cent sure," Ten Hag replied when asked if Shaw would be back next month, reports the MEN. "The plan is just be back before but, as I say I can’t say this for 100 per cent for sure, it can be shortly after the break."

While Shaw is touch and go for that game, on Sunday 6 October, United and Ten Hag will likely have Victor Lindelof available to them, although long-term absentee Tyrell Malacia hasn't played for over a year and isn't yet available to return from his serious knee injury. Summer signing Leny Yoro injured his foot in pre-season and has had surgery - he won't be back until November.

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