Man United hit with damage blow once more as Luke Shaw suffers one other setback – simply days after Lisandro Martinez is dominated out for six months with ACL tear

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has suffered another setback in his return from injury.

However, it’s hoped that the latest problem is not too serious and he will be back in training soon.

Shaw hasn’t started a game for United for almost a year due to a succession of muscle injuries, and has only made three appearances as a substitute under new head coach Ruben Amorim.

The 29-year-old England defender has suffered what has been described as a ‘minimal’ setback in his recovery and could return to training early next week despite initial fears he faces a longer lay-off.

But the concern over Shaw is understandable given that he had a ‘small setback’ after coming off the bench against Everton at the start of December and has been missing for the last 16 games.

Amorim needs Shaw fit again to give him options at left wing-back and on the left-hand side of his back-three.

Luke Shaw has suffered a setback in his recovery from a succession of muscle injuries

Shaw has only featured three times under Ruben Amorim since his arrival in November

Shaw’s setback comes just days after fellow defender Lisandro Martinez tore his ACL

Although United signed Patrick Dorgu in the transfer window after paying Lecce £29.4million for the Denmark international, they also allowed Tyrell Malacia to join PSV Eindhoven on loan for the rest of the season.

There are also fears that Lisandro Martinez will be ruled out for up to six months with a torn cruciate ligament after the Argentine was injured in Sunday’s defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.

Shaw stayed at Carrington when United flew out to Romania for last week’s Europa League tie against Steaua Bucharest, and Amorim was cautious when discussing his return given the length of time he has been out of action.

‘It can take a little bit more time,’ said the United boss. ‘I think he needs to train more, to spend more time with his team-mates playing even like normal, small-sided games, not just working alone.

‘He stayed there (at Carrington) to make a different type of work. He’s going to get together with the team when we arrive and start from there. When I feel it is the right moment, we will start with some minutes in the games.’