Manchester United’s Luke Shaw returns to training after seven months out

England defender suffered double leg fracture in September 
• Juan Mata uploads picture of Shaw in training on to Instagram

Luke Shaw returned to training on Monday for the first time since suffering a double fracture in his leg in September.

The 20-year-old England full-back is entering the final stages of a long rehabilitation for an injury he sustained in the Champions League match at PSVEindhoven.

Shaw’s appearance was confirmed by his Manchester United team-mate Juan Mata, who uploaded a picture of the pair on Instagram with the caption: “My friend @lukeshaw23 just came in from running out on the pitch! Getting closer.”

Three days ago Louis van Gaal confirmed Shaw would be back on the training pitch this week, though he also suggested it was unlikely Shaw would play againin a season that could conclude with the FA Cup final on 21 May.

Nine days before the final Roy Hodgson names his England squad for Euro 2016, which means Shaw may miss out on the tournament in France too.

“Luke Shaw shall start next week the first training sessions on the pitch,” Van Gaal said on Friday.

“It was always in the gym, on the treadmill, in the swimming pool and so on, but now he can train for the first time with his bodyweight on the pitch, so it is going great for Luke Shaw. But it shall be very difficult for him to play in the FA Cup final.”