Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Luke Shaw is doubtful ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup fourth round tie against Reading at Old Trafford.
The England international was not part of the squad for the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest in midweek and Ten Hag has now revealed that he could be sidelined again.
Speaking ahead of the game, the Dutch tactician did not provide an update on Anthony Martial’s leg injury but ruled out Diogo Dalot with an ongoing thigh problem.
The manager added that Shaw is also a ‘question mark’ for the encounter. The left-back’s availability will be assessed based on this afternoon’s training session at Carrington.
He told Manutd.com: “Dalot definitely out, and I think also Shaw [is] a question mark. We have to see after this training session, after this day, if he [Shaw] is available or not.”
Tyrell Malacia can provide good cover for Shaw
Malacia has been very impressive since the World Cup. The Dutchman was a regular at left-back at the beginning of the month when Shaw played as the left centre-back.
Hence, Ten Hag should have no worry in the department. If Shaw is deemed fit, he could make the bench with a view to starting the Premier League game against Crystal Palace.
Meanwhile, we could finally see Jadon Sancho’s comeback to the matchday squad. The 22-year-old was sent on a special training programme to the Netherlands recently to improve his physique.
He has been training with the United squad for nearly two weeks and Ten Hag has hinted today that the forward could be involved tomorrow based on today’s training session.
United should be clear favourites to beat Reading tomorrow. The manager could give a breather to the likes of Marcus Rashford and Christian Eriksen with a hectic schedule ahead.
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