Injury-blighted season could jeopardise the future of Luke Shaw – opinion

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Luke Shaw of Manchester United battles for possession with Ben Johnson of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford on February 04, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Big changes are expected at Manchester United and some decisions may appear reckless.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos Group are conducting a review on the club before they take control of football operations at Old Trafford.

The British billionaire is expected to take a ruthless approach during his regime as minority shareholder, owning 25% of the club after his deal was approved by the Premier League on Tuesday.

United have overseen two busy summers under Erik ten Hag, but it remains to be seen if he will be the manager they back in the summer transfer window. I certainly hope he’s still in the hotseat come next season and with our best players we can see that there’s a progression pathway under the Dutch coach.

Ineos will introduce a different transfer strategy in the coming months, with new key personnel expected to be the driving force behind Ratcliffe’s recruitment plans.

We all have our opinions on who United should sign, but what about the players the club may opt to sell at the end of the season?

One elephant in the room is Luke Shaw unless he can avoid injuries for the rest of the season.

Luke Shaw stats by gameweek 24 – 2022/23 vs 2023/24

  • Minutes played: 1663 – 917
  • Assists: 2 – 0
  • Chances created: 21 – 13
  • Successful passes: 966 – 458

United have one of the best left-backs in Europe with Shaw, but only when he’s fully fit and that has rarely been the case this season. The 28-year-old came off in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa as a precaution.

It may seem drastic, but I honestly believe Shaw has the coming months to prove his fitness or a big decision could be made over his future.

This wouldn’t be a conversation if the England international wasn’t having such an injury-blighted season.

I also appreciate the argument that, on his day, there isn’t a better left-back in the Premier League than Shaw.

Furthermore, Shaw should be at his very peak now. Injuries are preventing that and they could jeopardise his future as a United player.

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