Erik ten Hag insists he is “looking forward” to Luke Shaw’s return from injury amid talk of Manchester United plotting to bolster their options at left-back.

Shaw has been earmarked for a return from a calf problem after next month’s international break, having picked up the injury in training.

It means Man Utd are short in the position as the opening game of the Premier League season approaches, with Fulham the visitors to Old Trafford on Friday night.

"I think he will return in the short term," Ten Hag told reporters.

"It doesn't take long.

"We are looking forward, of course, to Luke Shaw [returning]. A very important player for our team.

"He is massively important so we want to get him back as soon as possible but we can't force this process."

Lisandro Martinez is set to deputise at left-back although Diogo Dalot is another option if new signing Noussair Mazraoui is ready to make a quick debut following his move from Bayern Munich.

“We were looking and we can sort problems over the left side,” Ten Hag added on Thursday. “For instance Licha Martinez and Diogo Dalot are capable of playing there.

“Mazraoui is an additional one who can fill the position as long as Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia aren't in the team. They are different and I think it's quite difficult to put him under pressure, especially in English football, that can be very beneficial.”

There has been talk of United signing a new player for the position given Shaw’s injury issues, the England international having missed much of last season due to hamstring problems, while Malacia has been out for over a year.

Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell, Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton and Fenerbahce’s Ferdi Kadioglu have been linked as possible signings, although the latter is closing in a move to Brighton.