Paul Scholes expects Luke Shaw to reclaim his place in the starting XI ahead of Tyrell Malacia.
Shaw, along with club captain Harry Maguire, was dropped by Erik ten Hag following defeats to Brighton and Brentford at the start of the season with Malacia and Lisandro Martinez stepping in.
The Dutch full-back, who arrived from Feyenoord in the summer, turned in some excellent displays as United went on a run of four straight wins following that harrowing start to the season.
Malacia however found himself hauled off at half-time twice in four days against and in the away clash against Omonia.
Shaw, who has also recovered from a foot injury during his time out of the side, returned to the starting XI for the 2-1 win over Everton on Sunday, showing signs the increased competition for a place in the squad is helping him return to top form.
Shaw came off the bench in the second-half as United left it late to beat Omonia at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Ten Hag’s side will now take on Newcastle United, Tottenham and Chelsea in the space of six days with club legend Scholes claiming the England international is ‘slightly ahead’ of Malacia ahead of that important run of games.
‘It’s very difficult to say with this manager and what he’s thinking [whether Shaw will start this weekend],’ Scholes told BT Sport.
‘Luke Shaw, when he’s fit, is one of the best left-backs around, he did really well when he came on and again on Sunday.
‘Malacia has done well for a young kid coming over into a new league, he’s adapted well but if you’re choosing between [the two], Luke Shaw is just slightly ahead.’
Shaw benefited in a similar manner after the arrival of Alex Telles at Old Trafford in 2020, with the former Southampton starlet going onto enjoy one of his best ever seasons.
The 27-year-old scored for England during the recent Nations League draw against Germany and will hope a run in the first-team will secure his place in Gareth Southgate’s starting XI for the World Cup in Qatar.
, .
,  and .
