Luke Shaw, who suffered a double fracture of his leg in United’s opening Champions League match of the campaign against PSV Eindhoven in September, hopes he will be back in a Manchester United shirt before the end of the season.
The left-back has not yet returned to full training but is happy with how things are going. Shaw told the United website: “I’m back outside now. Still with the physio, but day by day I’m getting better and fitter. I’m just going to keep pushing now until the end of the season and see what happens, but at the moment my leg feels really great every time I go outside.
“There were a few aches at the start, but now they’re all gone so it’s back to hard work and hopefully I’ll see the fans before the end of the season.”
Louis van Gaal has talked about Shaw potentially playing in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on 21 May and the England manager, Roy Hodgson, would consider taking the Shaw to Euro 2016 if he proves his fitness.
Shaw said the road to recovery has been tough. “I missed football so much. It was hard for me to watch it at times because I missed it that much. I just wanted to be out there, but now I’m on my comeback I can start enjoying watching it because soon I’ll be out on the pitch with the lads.
“It’s great to be back in the changing room with the lads and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Shaw praised United’s medical staff for helping him through the process.“It’s not been easy for them either because they have to sometimes deal with me being a little bit moody or whatnot but we’ve all got through it really well,” he said.
“I’m not there yet, we’re going to keep pushing, but thank you to all the staff for what they’ve done and what they’ve put up with the last seven months.”
Sunday’s match against Leicester will come too soon for Shaw but Van Gaal has no new injury worries for a match that could end with the Foxes being crowned Premier League champions for the first time.
Victory for Claudio Ranieri’s side would see them complete one of the most remarkable sporting feats in history but United have plenty to play for themselves as they chase Champions League qualification.
The home side head into the match fresh from booking their place in the cup final with victory over Everton last week, a result that Antonio Valencia said has really buoyed Old Trafford.
He told United Review: “There’s a good feeling in the air. We’re happy and motivated by the win.
“They [Leicester] have had a great season and have proved themselves in all of their games. Let’s hope they’re not that consistent when they play us at Old Trafford.
“They’re fighting to win the title, we’re going for the top four. We’re hoping to get what we want from the game.”