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Luke Shaw is hoping for a Champions League chance against Benfica
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Luke Shaw in Manchester United squad to face Benfica but Phil Jones and Antonio Valencia likely to miss out

England ace Shaw hoping for rare opportunity in Champions League clash at Old Trafford as United look to book their place in the knock-out stages

LUKE SHAW may be handed a rare chance to impress Jose Mourinho after being included in the Manchester United squad to face Benfica.

Shaw's future at Old Trafford is in doubt has he struggles to force his way into Mourinho's plans on a regular basis.

 Luke Shaw is hoping for a Champions League chance against Benfica
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Luke Shaw is hoping for a Champions League chance against BenficaCredit: Reuters

But the England defender may get a surprise chance to show he can still play a role for his manager in the Champions League clash at Old Trafford tonight.

Shaw has reported for duty this morning when the matchday squad linked up at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester for their pre-match meetings and meal.

The left-back has only made two appearances for the first team this season, both of them coming in the Carabao Cup.

But even those chances were only as substitute as he finds it increasingly difficult to earn the trust of his manager.

 Shaw is part of the Manchester United squad to face Benfica
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Shaw is part of the Manchester United squad to face BenficaCredit: PA:Press Association
 England left-back Luke Shaw has made just two first team appearances for Manchester United this season
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England left-back Luke Shaw has made just two first team appearances for Manchester United this seasonCredit: Reuters

But there were three notable absences from the players who showed up - with neither Phil Jones nor Antonio Valencia on show.

The Manchester Everning News say Jones, who has not played a midweek match all season, and Valencia are both unlikely to figure against Benfica.


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A third player Daley Blind was also not spotted reporting at the hotel - although he lives close by and in the past has linked up later with his team-mates.

United boss Mourinho has a decision to make regarding his team selection for the clash with the Portuguese side - with one eye on the Premier League this weekend.

 Phil Jones trained yesterday but is not expected to feature against Benfica
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Phil Jones trained yesterday but is not expected to feature against BenficaCredit: EPA
 Antonio Valencia is another who could be rested with the trip to Chelsea in mind
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Antonio Valencia is another who could be rested with the trip to Chelsea in mindCredit: Rex Features
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The team face a trip to Chelsea on Sunday and with several players already ruled out through injury, Mourinho can ill-afford to lose any more.

But he knows he can wrap up qualification to the knock-out stages with a victory tonight - taking the pressure off the remaining two matches in Group A.

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