Luke Shaw is overseeing his most prolonged period without an injury in over two years now.
Indeed, the Manchester United full-back’s unrelenting fitness setbacks have resulted in him usually enduring stop-start seasons.
For example, last term, he was limited to just 12 appearances across all competitions, all of which came under Ruben Amorim, meaning Erik ten Hag did not get to utilise Shaw in the final months of his tenure before being relieved of his duties.
At one time of day, it was thought the 30-year-old was up there with some of the best in his position across world football – perhaps even taking the top spot, like this paying online casino UK does.
His inability to keep fit and stake his claim always hindered his situation, though, prompting widespread concerns over whether he’ll ever be able to see out a campaign fully fit.
So far in 2025/2026, Shaw has made 10 appearances – all of which were from the off – and totalled 828 minutes on the pitch.
The fact that United only have one game a week to account for undoubtedly bodes in his and Amorim’s favour, as there’s less pressure to keep him intact by preserving his minutes and game time.
Even amidst his upturn in form, the long-serving Red has yet to be restored to the England setup.
He hasn’t featured for his nation since the 2024 Euros final, a defeat to Spain, and hasn’t been called upon by new head coach Thomas Tuchel, which may be something of a concern in the build-up to the World Cup.
Shaw was always one of Gareth Southgate’s most trusted lieutenants, as was teammate Harry Maguire. Both are now seemingly conceding they’ll have to do a lot more to reclaim their places, given the stern competition in the Three Lions’ backline.
One former international has poured praise on Shaw’s recent displays after United established a four-game unbeaten run in the league.
Phil Jones said of his fellow defender on the Inside Carrington podcast: “He looks so much… so assured, comfortable. I always think Luke’s at his best when he sort of cruises through the game and, you know, against Forest at the weekend, I thought he defended terrifically in the box.
“When the ball was in the box, he was tight; he made the blocks when he had to. He reads the game well, but when the ball gets transferred from one side to the other, he steps in so well, and he’s almost playing left-back at left-centre-back.
“And the way he drives forward, he commits players, he’s really come into his own, he’s finding that position really well.”
Next up for Amorim’s side is a trip to face Tottenham Hotspur in North London, before club action hits pause for another international break.
