Shaw's planned absence explained | OneFootball

Michael Carrick was without Luke Shaw at Wednesday's session before Manchester United's Champions League return against Sabah FK, but his absence was planned rather than alarming.

Manchester Evening News reports that the 31-year-old full-back took a scheduled rest day, not a fresh fitness setback.

Matthijs de Ligt remained off the grass as he continues long-term recovery from a serious back problem, while academy left-back Harry Amass trained with the senior group.

United have tightened load management after a lighter calendar last season without Europe, when Shaw was virtually ever present. With continental football back after a two-year break, conserving key players has become a priority.

The club explored cover at left-back in the summer, closely tracking Newcastle's Lewis Hall before turning to cheaper options. Barcelona's Alejandro Balde and Racing Santander defender Jorge Salinas were assessed, but no signing arrived.

Any real injury to Shaw would force a reshuffle, with right-backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui the likeliest deputies on the left. That risk heightens the need to time rests carefully amid a busy domestic and European schedule.

Elsewhere, Amad Diallo is still out with an ankle problem suffered days before the campaign began. Summer arrival Carlos Baleba also remains sidelined after a similar issue in Brighton's pre-season.

United host Sabah at Old Trafford on Thursday, which could allow rotation before the Manchester derby. Whether Shaw starts against the Azerbaijani visitors is unclear, though his tailored programme strongly suggests he is being readied for Manchester City.

Source: Goal.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”