Manchester United boosted by Maguire and Shaw for Newport

The Red Devils had a brief winter break after their 2-2 draw against Tottenham on January 14.

Next up is the trip to Newport with centre-back Maguire and left-back Shaw playing a part in preparations.

Maguire has not played since suffering a groin injury against Bayern Munich on December 12 while Shaw has been out since the loss at West Ham on December 23, although he was set to feature against Spurs but failed a late fitness test.

United were boosted by the return of Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez against Tottenham when Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, who has not played since the start of November, was an unused substitute.

The Red Devils will be without Sofyan Amrabat and Andre Onana because of the Africa Cup of Nations while Victor Lindelof, Anthony Martial and Mason Mount are on the injury list.

LEGEND: County striker Padraig Amond with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola

Podge heading home

NEWPORT County legend Padraig Amond has been released by Woking to return to Ireland.

The 35-year-old forward is poised to join a League of Ireland Premier Division club, reportedly Waterford.

Amond has enjoyed a wonderful career in England and Wales but will now return to his homeland.

“Amond has asked the Club for his release over the past year so that he may return home to Ireland to play out his career closer to his young family,” read a statement by National League Woking.

“In the best interest of the club, the player and his family, the club will grant his request."

Amond spent four seasons with County, scoring 59 goals – including against Tottenham, Leicester and Manchester City in memorable FA Cup matches – in 206 appearances.

The prolific striker also played for Accrington, Morecambe, Grimsby, Hartlepool and, after play-off anguish with COunty twice, finally went up from League Two with Exeter.