Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that defender Luke Shaw has suffered another fitness setback.
The England international was all set to start against Tottenham on Sunday evening but ten Hag said that the defender pulled out on the day of the game, leading to Aaron Wan-Bissaka playing on the left-hand side of defence instead:
“We expected Luke Shaw [to play]. We trained with Shaw in our preparation but this morning he dropped out. So to change then back from what we trained and our gameplan….it would be to adapt too much.”
Fans on X are disappointed that Shaw wasn’t able to play, with some bemoaning the 28-year-old’s poor injury record:
hope it's nothing serious 🤞🏻
— 🥤 (@stiflerftw) January 14, 2024
Like anyone's surprised.
— Dark Saint (@DefiledGod) January 14, 2024
whyyyyyy???🤧🤧🤧🤧
— i am dj lee🧃 𝕏 (@leeoflagos1) January 14, 2024
Sell him to many injuries it’s a shame really
— Bonar Milne (@Bonarmilne) January 14, 2024
He must have had a headache
— Loucas Andreou (@LoucasAndreou2) January 14, 2024
Guy always injured
— Nazmul Miah (@7nazmulmiah) January 14, 2024
The guy misses at least 60% of games each season 🚮
— 🚶🏽♂️ (@raiden_mufc) January 14, 2024
Starting to think we need a fullback for both sides at this rate! Sorry Sir Jim, ain't nobody said this would be easy!
— Utd-Edge🍿 (@Utd_Edge) January 14, 2024
Shaw has struggled to stay fit this season
The left-back has only made 10 appearances in all competitions since August. He originally picked up a muscular injury in the first fixture against Spurs back in August.
After making his comeback in November, Shaw lasted only a month before being back on the treatment table.
United’s injury crisis is easing
Even though Shaw wasn’t available, both Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro returned to the matchday squad at the weekend.
It means that there are now only six players sidelined, including Shaw, Mason Mount, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia and Anthony Martial.
