Manchester United, says defender Luke Shaw, will take “a big move forward” when they return to training on Wednesday.
While the interaction between players is not yet allowed, United’s squad will reconvene for a first session since the restrictions on coronavirus have been eased for elite sport.
Small group sessions will begin, but players must stick to the rules of social space, arriving at home in training kit and showering rather than in communal changing rooms.
“The rules may be very rigid, but naturally we ‘re all going to adhere to them just to make sure things are running as smoothly and safely as possible. I think we ‘re all ready to do it better and we’re all looking forward to getting out on the right pitch! It’s okay running down the field, but it’s not perfect, of course. It’s going to be fun to be around new people and see the boys again for a little while. Moving onto the same training ground as each other is a big step forward,” said Shaw.
Shaw told the official website of United that it would not only be the players who enjoy returning to work, explaining how “you could see how excited the coaches were” in a group call. There have been instances in other players’ clubs that are reluctant to return to training, with Watford captain Troy Deeney saying he won’t make an immediate return due to personal concerns concerning Covid-19.
When United is reassembled, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would want to ensure that the overall fitness level is high, as the Premier League is looking to resume in June.
Shaw, who joined United in 2014 from Southampton, is confident this will be the case.
