Luke Shaw was not involved at Carrington this week, despite targeting a return to action after the international break.

The full-back has been out of action since October 10, when Manchester United were held to a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

Luke Shaw: The state of play

It now looks highly unlikely that Shaw will feature under Michael Carrick again, with the manager poised to be relieved of his duties any day now.

Instead, Shaw’s first appearance back in action could come under his former Southampton head coach, Mauricio Pochettino.

INEOS chiefs have reached an agreement in principle with the Argentine this week, meaning all that’s left to do is activate his release clause with the United States.

United’s No.23 made 50 appearances under Pochettino before his Old Trafford move in 2014.

Reacting to the impending appointment in M16, Samuel Luckhurst noted: “Interesting to see how quickly or slowly he (Shaw) recovers with Pochettino coming in. Shaw said in Pochettino’s book he ‘used to call me his son’. MUFC could release Shaw in June.”

Could Pochettino push for Shaw to stay beyond 2027?

Indeed, the 31-year-old is out of contract next summer, so faces a hugely uncertain future with the club.

He is currently United’s longest-serving Red, but is also undoubtedly the side’s most injury-prone player of the last 12 years.

As there is no 12-month option included in his terms, a new deal would need to be negotiated between Shaw and the board if he were to stay beyond the current season.

However, given he has already missed 10 matches across all competitions in 2026/2027, he’d have to make an extremely strong case as to why he should be rewarded with a new contract when he eventually returns to the fold.

Pochettino may also have a say in the matter if Shaw is at his disposal – and at his best – for the remainder of the campaign.