For Erik ten Hag nowadays, it makes more sense for him to plan his squads with the expectation that Luke Shaw is incapable of playing consecutive matches.
The left-back’s last outing for Manchester United came all the way back in February. He played the first half of a 2-1 away win over Luton Town, being withdrawn at the interval for a second straight week due to fitness concerns.
Shortly after the game, it was confirmed by the club that he would undergo a lengthy spell on the sidelines, where he remained for the rest of the season with a muscle injury. In total, he was absent for 37 fixtures across all competitions.
That’s why fans felt understandably aggrieved when Shaw was called up to represent England at Euro 2024 and, after being ruled out of the group stage and last-16, came off the bench in the quarters and semis before playing the full 90 minutes of their final defeat to Spain. Upon his return to Carrington only weeks later, he sustained another injury, confirming that he’d be unavailable for the start of 2024/2025.
Shaw returns to individual training at Carrington
Now eight game weeks into the Premier League term, Ten Hag has been heavily relying on Diogo Dalot deputising on the left-hand side of defence. Victor Lindelof has also been called upon on numerous occasions, as well as Lisandro Martinez last time out against Brentford.
The manager may be able to deploy a natural left-back in the coming weeks, though, as Shaw has today been spotted in training – albeit away from the rest of the squad.
Still, he’s back on the grass and being put through his paces with hopes of making his first club appearance in eight months. It remains to be seen when his counterpart Tyrell Malacia, who missed the entirety of the 2023/2024 season, will become available.
