Manchester United – An Injury crisis
It has emerged in recent reports that Erik ten Hag faces yet another injury crisis as he enters his third season as Manchester United boss. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw make up the casualties in defence.
This leaves a makeshift backline of Diogo Dalot, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Amass as the likely starters for the season’s curtain raiser – The Community Shield on Saturday, August 10.
The final injury mentioned, Luke Shaw, has sparked online chatter about his status. He played 45 minutes in the EURO 2024 Semi-Final and 90 minutes in the EURO 2024 final for England despite being injured for the entire tournament. This injury resulted from a muscle injury sustained against Luton Town in February. Various United fans online are now questioning the left-back’s commitment, given how he was able to play during the EURO tournament, accusing him of prioritising national team service over his club.
Luke Shaw and Lamine Yamal
Shaw’s Unfortunate injury record
Shaw, who is entering his tenth year at Manchester United, has been plagued with injuries since the beginning of his career. He has missed 264 games across his tenure with a series of muscle, hamstring and ankle injuries. As a result, he acquired an injury-prone label. However, with Manchester United not obtaining an adequate backup, he still retains his position as the best left-back at the club.
Because England reached the final of EURO 2024, the players in Gareth Southgate’s squad are returning from their post-tournament break later than the rest. It would be extremely foolish to rush Luke Shaw into competitive football four days after returning to the training pitch. Luke Shaw has only played over two hours of competitive football in six months. And with his injury record, it would be ridiculous for Erik ten Hag to risk him in a glorified friendly. This also gives Harry Amass a chance to experience Wembley Stadium in front of a massive crowd live on TV, exposing him to general audiences.
Luke Shaw and Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United training
Final thoughts
To conclude. Luke Shaw is not finished at the top level, and Manchester United fans on social media need to reconsider such impulsive critiques of players when they do not deserve to be in the firing line. Other players also receive irrational abuse from this fickle fan base who want decisions which do not make much sense.
It feeds into a media cycle which brings negativity to the team. A more realistic approach to support and less sensationalist pundits would greatly change the online discourse around Manchester United.
