Erik ten Hag may have already dropped Luke Shaw position hint for Manchester United vs Everton

When the team news for Manchester United's clash with Everton at Goodison Park is released an hour before kick-off on Sunday afternoon, all eyes will be in search of one name.

After just over three months since his last appearance, Luke Shaw is in contention to make his highly anticipated return. He has returned to full training and manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed he could be included in his plans for the weekend's tussle with the Toffees.

Speaking to United's in-house media on Thursday, Ten Hag said: "He's been training for two weeks with the team and we are quite hopeful that he will return in the squad for Sunday's game."

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Should Shaw make the cut, it would be a massive boost ahead of what promises to be a demanding period. The trip to Merseyside is United's first of 10 matches in the space of just 35 days before the end of the year.

Getting Shaw back ahead of such a crucial run of games, both domestically and in Europe, would ease the strain on other members of United's squad, some of whom have covered for the England international during his period of absence. Sergio Reguilon was drafted in on loan on deadline day as temporary cover, but injury and illness-related issues have limited him to just seven appearances thus far.

Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof and Sofyan Amrabat have all had to fill in at left-back at one point or another during Shaw's absence, meaning it will no doubt be a huge relief for Ten Hag to have his left-back-in-chief back available. However, it would not be all that surprising if the Dutchman, just like he did on a handful of occasions last