Luke Shaw proved why he is priceless to Manchester United at Everton

One down, two to go. There was no hiding from the enormity of the three away matches Manchester United faced following the international break and they got off to the perfect start against Everton.

United thoroughly deserved the victory by full-time, yet there was still a sense of papering over some cracks given they led at half-time despite not creating a chance and having rode their luck defensively as well.

Further improvement will be needed against Galatasaray and Newcastle, but you can only beat what is in front of you, and Erik ten Hag will be delighted overall.

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United's win was also impressive given the extensive injury crisis they are facing, made even worse by the absence of Rasmus Hojlund and Antony for the trip to Goodison Park. Yet even without a duo worth £154m they secured arguably their best away win under Ten Hag so far.

Yet rather than focusing on those who weren't available, the win over Everton was more about the triumphant return to action of Luke Shaw, one of the most important players in how they play.

Amid Alejandro Garnacho's golazo and Kobbie Mainoo's masterclass, Shaw's impressive performance after three months out went under the radar a little bit, not that he would mind.

The 28-year-old has always been an unsung hero of the United side, a reluctant hero who does not demand the media spotlight and prefers to just get on with his job in the background, a reliable and trusted member of the first-team squad. He has had his fair share of ups and downs during his Old Trafford career, though it speaks volumes that every permanent manager has relied upon