Image via: David Dixon/Geograph. CC BY-SA 2.0. OTF Logo added.
Erik ten Hag has shed some light on why Luke Shaw was subbed off against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Manchester United kept the ball rolling on Sunday afternoon, overcoming an Aston Villa side who had been playing well this season 2-1.
Erik ten Hag’s side scored a late winner courtesy of super sub Scott McTominay, who scored a thumping header after an outstanding Diogo Dalot cross. A true moment of quality from both players.
Typically for United this season, the game was marred by an injury. This time, Luke Shaw. The Englishman had to leave the field of play at half-time and at that moment, we were not quite sure why.
After the game, gaffer Erik ten Hag has shed some light on the situation, claiming it was more precautionary, rather than a serious injury issue.
The Dutchman would explain that United cannot task a risk with Shaw, due to the sheer volume of injuries he’s suffered in the past. Now, the left-back will be monitored over the next few days to see how his issue progresses…
Check out what the gaffer had to say in full here:
“It was a precaution. He mentioned some complaints and we can’t take a risk, especially not with Luke Shaw, because he has had many injuries in the past.” Ten Hag told ManUtd.com.
“We took him off so that it did not become an injury. We have to see how it develops in the coming days.”
I love Shaw, though he’s becoming a bit of a liability in that regard. It doesn’t help that his main back-up option, Tyrell Malacia, has now been missing for the better part of a full year. It has often led to Diogo Dalot starting over on that side of the field – though he’s clearly better over on the right.
This is certainly something to keep an eye on as we approach the summer, as the last thing Ten Hag needs right now is another unreliable player on the injury front. I would not be wholly surprised if the club made a move for a new left-back of some description – though who you’d go out and get is a mystery at this moment in time.
It’s a massive shame as I love Shaw. As both a man and player. He’s a top tier individual who always wears his heart on his sleeve and fights for the badge on his chest. Hopefully, this isn’t a severe issue. The good news is that he will have a full week to recover, as United do not play again until next Sunday against Luton Town.
Do you think Man United need a new left-back? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
