“There are many factors” - Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag provided Luke Shaw fitness update ahead of EFL Cup clash against Barnsley

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has provided an update on his left back, Luke Shaw. According to the Dutchman, the defender is "progressing well" and there's a plan in place for his reintegration into the side.

The Englishman suffered a calf injury in pre-season and is yet to make a single appearance for the Red Devils so far this campaign. Ahead of the start of the season, Manchester United had shared an update on the fullback's injury and set a timeline for his return. The statement read:

"Luke Shaw will miss the opening games of the Premier League season due to a calf injury sustained at the start of pre-season training. He is working hard on his rehabilitation with a view to being available after the first international break."

With the international break over, Shaw is nowhere to be seen in United's squad, failing to make the bench against Southampton at the weekend. Ten Hag confirmed that the EFL Cup tie against League One side Barnsley on September 17 also comes a little too soon for the 29-year-old [via Fabrizio Romano].

"He's progressing but not yet ready to be selected. He is progressing well," admitted Ten Hag.

He said that they have a plan in mind but it depends on various factors, indicating a delay in Shaw's return to the first team squad.

"We have a plan in our head when he can be ready but you're always dependent on how the progress will go. There are many factors, a plan can accelerate or slow down," revealed the Manchester United boss.

Although Ten Hag refused to put a timeline on Shaw's return, there is respite for him in the defensive department. The trio of Lisandro Martínez, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui are set to be available for selection for the Cup tie at Old Trafford. They were forced off at the weekend in their 3-0 win against Southampton on September 14.

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"We are in a good direction" - Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag

Ahead of the victory over Southampton, Erik ten Hag was asked in the pre-match press conference about what he thought of Diogo Dalot's assessment of the club's form. Dalot had said that despite what the results suggest, Manchester United have improved this season.

The People's Person quoted Ten Hag as saying:

"When you see scores, no one is happy. But the players have a very good sense of the process, and the quality of the process. I agree with him [Dalot].

"When you analyse all the games so far, we are in a good direction. But also, what is normal in a transition period and when we’re building the team is that we have to step up."

Manchester United are currently 10th in the Premier League table with two wins and as many losses in their first four matches of the season. Their EFL Cup tie against Barnsley comes at an opportune time for the club to regain their form.