Erik ten Hag has been handed a boost regarding the injury Luke Shaw suffered in Manchester United's win over Brentford on Wednesday night.
Shaw, who signed a new contract with the Red Devils this week, made his 250th appearance for the club against The Bees but it was cut short after he picked up a hamstring injury. Ten Hag hauled him off before the break, replacing the left-back with Tyrell Malacia.
After Marcus Rashford's first-half goal secured a 1-0 win, the Dutch manager cut a concerned figure in his post-match interview when quizzed on the extent of Shaw's injury. Ten Hag admitted: "In this moment I can't give anything about it. We have to wait 24 hours to make the right diagnosis."
However, according to The Times, United's medical team have received good news after sending the former Southampton star for tests. It is understood the substitution was a precaution and the club do not believe the injury will be long-term.
It remains to be seen if Shaw will be fit for United's clash with Everton on Saturday, and the 27-year-old will be monitored over the next 24 hours before Ten Hag makes a decision on his plans for the weekend. Should Shaw not get the green light, Malacia is expected to deputise again.
Ten Hag was handed another injury boost on Thursday, with Christian Eriksen returning to training. Eriksen has been sidelined since sustaining ankle ligament damage in a 3-1 win over Reading in the FA Cup on January 28.
The midfielder has missed 16 matches and was initially expected to be out of action until later this month. However, Eriksen has worked hard in rehabilitation and was back training with his team-mates at the club’s Carrington complex.
Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag was pleased to see Manchester United return to the standards he demands in Wednesday’s narrow Premier League win against Brentford.
Sunday’s meek 2-0 defeat at top-four rivals Newcastle led the players to have a frank discussion in the St James’ Park dressing room following what Shaw called an “unacceptable” display.
Ten Hag agreed with the left-back that the Magpies had more determination, passion and desire in a result that United bounced back from three days later at Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford ’s first-half strike proved the difference in a 1-0 victory over the Bees – a night that may not live long in the memory but provided a much-needed shot in the arm.
“Very important win I would say,” boss Ten Hag said. “Of course, when you lose after the international break, you have to bounce back, so we did and I think it was a good performance as well.
“In the second half when we didn’t get a second goal it was more of a battle, but then saw the determination, the passion and the desire that I missed on Sunday.
“I think this is the standards we have to bring in every game. It’s not acceptable what we did on Sunday. We know that. This is not United, this is not the standards from United, so, yes, there were several things I was happy with.”
