Amidst Manchester United’s unprecedented injury crisis of 2023/2024, Luke Shaw again endured a debilitating season consisting of setback after setback.
Long has the defender struggled with his fitness, and it’s now got to the stage where fans do not expect to see him complete a full campaign – even consecutive starts are a rarity.
His last club outing came back in February during a 2-1 away win over Luton Town. Erik ten Hag was forced to withdraw Shaw at the interval for a second consecutive match, after which it was confirmed that he’d be spending an extended period on the sidelines.
Shaw did return in time to feature for England at Euro 2024, coming off the bench in their quarter-final and semi-final before being named in the XI to face Spain in the final. Upon reporting to Carrington for pre-season training, the 29-year-old sustained a calf strain, keeping him out of action for the opening of 2024/2025.
Shaw closing in on training return
Yet, Manchester Evening News reporter Steven Railston suggests it ‘wouldn’t be a shock’ to see the player in training this week. United play their first Europa League match of the term tomorrow night before hosting Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday.
However, with Ten Hag’s current defensive unit already recording three clean sheets in the league and one in the Carabao Cup, it’s unlikely the manager will be rushing Shaw back into the fold. Diogo Dalot, while at times looking somewhat shaky deputising at left-back, has proven he’s capable of filling the role with Noussair Mazraoui until Shaw or Tyrell Malacia are available for selection.
