Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has made it clear that the club will not be rushing Luke Shaw back into action following his recent injury setback. The full-back, who has been a key player for United, has been sidelined with a calf injury sustained during training and is expected to be out of action until after the season’s first international break.
Shaw, who hasn’t featured for Manchester United since February, was called up by England and started in the Euro 2024 final against Spain, a decision that has drawn criticism from some sections of the United fanbase. Many felt that Shaw, who has struggled with injuries in the past, should have been rested to avoid further complications.
During a press conference on Thursday, Ten Hag addressed the situation, emphasizing the importance of patience in Shaw’s recovery process.
“He will return in the short term, it doesn’t take long,” Ten Hag assured. “We are looking forward, of course, for Luke Shaw. He is a very important player for our team, so we want to get him back as soon as possible, but we can’t force this process.”
The Dutch manager’s cautious approach underscores the significance of Shaw’s role in the team, particularly in a season where Manchester United will be competing on multiple fronts. Shaw’s ability to contribute both defensively and offensively from the left flank has made him one of United’s most reliable performers.
United’s Left-Back Dilemma
Shaw’s injury leaves Manchester United with a bit of a dilemma in the left-back position. With the new season underway, United will need to rely on their depth to cover his absence. The options available include Tyrell Malacia, who has shown promise but is relatively inexperienced compared to Shaw, and Diogo Dalot, who can fill in on the left but is naturally a right-back.
Ten Hag will be hoping that Shaw’s recovery is swift, but his comments suggest that the club is prioritizing the player’s long-term fitness over the short-term need to have him back on the pitch. This approach is crucial, given Shaw’s injury history and the physical demands of playing in the Premier League.
The Bigger Picture
Shaw’s injury setback comes at a time when Manchester United is looking to build on their progress from last season. Ten Hag’s side will be aiming to challenge for the Premier League title while also making a deep run in the UEFA Champions League. To do so, they will need all their key players fit and firing.
While Shaw’s absence is a blow, it also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and prove their worth. The likes of Malacia and Dalot will have the chance to showcase their abilities, and their performances could provide Ten Hag with valuable depth as the season progresses.
As for Shaw, his focus will be on making a full recovery and returning to the squad stronger. The 28-year-old has shown resilience in the past, bouncing back from serious injuries to re-establish himself as one of the best left-backs in the Premier League. United fans will be hoping for a similar outcome this time around.
Conclusion
Erik ten Hag’s decision to take a cautious approach with Luke Shaw’s recovery is a sensible one, given the player’s importance to the team and his history with injuries. While the left-back’s absence is a setback, it also offers an opportunity for other players to step up and contribute to Manchester United’s ambitions this season.
As Shaw works his way back to full fitness, United will need to navigate a challenging start to the season without one of their key defenders. But with Ten Hag’s careful management, both Shaw and the team should emerge stronger in the long run.