Angel di Maria, Luke Shaw return to training for Manchester United

New Delhi: Manchester United received much needed fitness boost ahead of their crucial Premier League encounter against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Record signing Angel di Maria could return to the squad at Aston Villa after recovering from the slight hamstring tear that had kept him out of the last three games. Luke Shaw meanwhile, too has returned to training and could make the bench on Saturday.

The availability of both players have served a big boost to manager Louis van Gaal, as there is a bit of ease in his injury-ridden camp so far.

Check out some pictures as #mufc put the work in at the Aon Training Complex ahead of facing Aston Villa on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/ANIcF8ml8T — Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 19, 2014

Van Gaal has warned that Di Maria will not start right away for the team and could most likely start in the bench.

The club posted Louis van Gaal's thought from the press-conference on Friday through social micro-blogging site, Twitter.

Louis van Gaal says Angel Di Maria is getting close to full fitness and could be on the bench for tomorrow's game at Aston Villa. #mufc — Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 19, 2014

The manager also added that 22 members of his 28-man squad is fit and could be ready for selection with midfielder Marouane Fellaini being ill and will miss the game.

The manager tells #MUTV that 22 members of his 28-man #mufc squad are available for selection, with five injured and Marouane Fellaini ill. — Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 19, 2014

Manchester United are currently third in the table behind leaders Chelsea and Manchester City. They are currently on a six-match unbeaten run and are looking for their seventh victory on the trot.