Luke Shaw is making good progress as he continues his rehabilitation from a double leg fracture, but the left-back is still months away from returning to first team action.
The 20-year-old was injured in September during Manchester United's first Champions League match of the season against PSV Eindhoven, and was expected to be out for the rest of the season.
However United manager Louis Van Gaal has stated that Shaw is making progress and could return earlier than first anticipated.
Saints visit Old Trafford
As he continues his comeback from injury, the weekend sees the red devils take on Shaws’ former club Southampton. A club which held many happy memories for the youngster.
Shaw makes no secret of his fondness for his old club. Immediately following his injury the Saints offered their condolences to the left back to which he replied via twitter; “You don’t know how much as a club you mean to me, thank you so much.”
What might have been
Despite a difficult start to life in Manchester during his first season, where the youngster struggled to impose himself on the first team, he began the current campaign in excellent form. It seemed he was beginning to fulfil his potential that saw United pay around £30million for the full back in the summer of 2014.
Up until his horrific injury the youngster had started every league game for United this season and was being praised by many for his direct runs and his exceptional crossing ability.
United have faced criticisms of late over their mundane style of play and it is fair to raise the point that if Shaw had not been hit by the unfortunate injury, the youngster may well have injected more creativity and pace to the red devils performances.
His absence from the United side this season has seen manager van Gaal forced to make frequent changes at left back. Ashley Young, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Matteo Darmian have all deputised, but have not carried the same attacking impetus that the Englishman brings.
Impressive form at a young age
Shaw quickly progressed through the ranks at Southampton amongst a crop of talented youngsters. Impressing then-manager Nigel Adkins, who gave the defender his first professional appearance in January 2012 in the FA Cup against Millwall.
As Mauricio Pochettino took charge of the Saints and implemented his philosophy of giving youngsters opportunities in the first team, Shaw made excellent progress in the Premier League. Being linked to other top clubs in the league such as Chelsea and Arsenal saw United step in quickly to snap up the youngster who looks set to go on and become a key figure in United's future.