Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw is set to be out of action for a ‘number of weeks’, according to a report from the Manchester Evening News.

Shaw’s injury could keep him off the pitch for around ‘two months’, if the Manchester Evening News’ report is to be believed. As such, this will leave a gaping hole in United’s squad.

Shaw played in United’s first two games of the season against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur – he played the full 90 minutes of both matches.

Who will take Luke Shaw’s place in the squad?

With Shaw’s injury confirmation, United now have something of a crisis in the left-back role. Their backup left-back, Tyrell Malacia, is also currently out of action with a knee problem.

This leaves just one player in the squad who can take Shaw’s place – Alvaro Fernandez. Throwing him into the first team could be a massive risk, as he is just 20 years of age and has yet to make his Premier League debut – but sadly, desperate times call for desperate measures.

Ironically, United had a left-back who could have slotted into Shaw’s role – Brandon Williams – but he has since been sent out on loan to Ipswich Town in the Championship.

Erik Ten Hag could play Diogo Dalot at left-back – however, the Portuguese star is right-footed, meaning he will need to function as an inverted full-back in this role.

This is, of course, only the case if the Red Devils cannot sign another left-back before the summer transfer window slams shut on September 1.

What other injury concerns do Manchester United have?

Besides Shaw, United are without the services of Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund, Tyrell Malacia, Harry Maguire, Amad Diallo and Tom Heaton.

Malacia, Heaton and Diallo are all out for an unknown amount of time – meanwhile, the other names in the list could return to action in the next couple of weeks.

Of the eight United players who are currently carrying injuries, Maguire is the closest to regaining full fitness – he may be available for the Red Devils’ game against Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon, though this remains to be seen.