Manchester United star Luke Shaw ‘ready’ for Premier League return against Aston Villa, says Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Luke Shaw is ‘ready’ to start for Manchester United against Aston Villa (Picture: Getty)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that Luke Shaw is in contention for a starting spot ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.

Shaw suffered a hamstring injury in only his third Premier League appearance of the season against Crystal Palace on August 24 but the 24-year-old returned to first-team action in midweek at Astana.

The left-back played the full 90 minutes as United were beaten 2-1 in Kazakhstan and put his hand up for selection with an assured display.

Though 19-year-old academy product Brandon Williams has impressed in his absence, it appears Shaw is providing strong competition for a place in Solskjaer’s starting XI this weekend.

Shaw managed the full 90 minutes as United lost in Astana (Picture: Getty)

Axel Tuanzebe could also start after Phil Jones’ horror show performance last Sunday away to Sheffield United.

‘Obviously, Luke Shaw and Axel played in Astana and they’re back, fit and available for us, and ready to be on the pitch,’ Solskjaer told United’s official website.

I think we’re looking strong. Of course, some of them didn’t travel – they’ll benefit from that because they’ve had a good week of training.

‘The ones that went to Astana played and they’ll benefit from that as well.’

Solskjaer says United must start strong at Old Trafford (Picture: Getty)

Solskjaer has warned his players that they must get on top in the early stages against Villa at Old Trafford.

‘I can’t wait to get out at Old Trafford again and the boys took a lot of heart from the Sheffield United comeback last weekend,’ the Norwegian said.

‘After a bad start, the performance there was good and I’m looking forward to facing Villa.

‘We’re looking forward to the whole week and we’re going to stay in Manchester for the whole week. Let’s make sure we start well against Villa.’

He added: ‘They [Villa] deserve to be in the Premier League.

‘I think it’s a great club. I scored a couple of times there at Villa Park, which I enjoyed. I played a lot against Aston Villa.

‘They’re back to where they belong. But for us, we’re at home now and we need to keep on winning.

‘The Brighton game was a good game, last time at Old Trafford, and hopefully we can continue.’

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