Shaw closing in on Reds return

MANCHESTER United have received good injury news as Luke Shaw has returned to training, while Phil Jones and Ashley Young started a fixture for the under–21s at Old Trafford.

Full–back Shaw (20) was back out on the grass with a United physio for the first time since suffering a double fracture in his leg last September in the Champions League at PSV Eindhoven.

Fellow England caps Jones and Young then featured in Warren Joyce’s XI for the Barclays Under–21 Premier League clash with Chelsea, though Wayne Rooney was not ready to make his comeback in a 1–1 draw for which Louis van Gaal, Ryan Giggs and Sir Bobby Charlton were all in attendance.

Shaw’s appearance back on the pitch was confirmed by United team–mate Juan Mata, who uploaded a picture of the pair on Instagram alongside the caption: “My friend ®lukeshaw23 just came in from running out on the pitch! Getting closer”.

Three days ago United boss Van Gaal revealed Shaw would return to training this week, though he also suggested it was unlikely he would feature again before a campaign that could conclude with an FA Cup final at Wembley on May 21.