Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says he could not risk Luke Shaw returning to the pitch for the second half of his side’s 2-1 win at Aston Villa on Sunday.
Defender Shaw was replaced by Victor Lindelof at the break at Villa Park during another injury-hit season for the England international.
“He mentioned some complaints and we can’t take a risk – especially because he has had so many injuries in the past,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports, describing the move as a “precaution”.
“We will have to see how it develops in the coming days. We hope it is not too bad.”
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Shaw missed three months with a thigh injury at the start of United’s campaign and limped out of his return from that lay-off against Bayern Munich in the Uefa Champions League.
United looked less defensively certain during the second half against Villa, when the hosts equalised through Douglas Luiz before Scott McTominay’s late winner.
Luke Shaw ‘cannot stay fit’ – Gary Neville
Shaw’s situation is the second new injury concern in defence for United inside a week after centre-back Lisandro Martinez sustained a knee injury at West Ham six days earlier which is expected to keep him out for two months.
“It’s not an advantage,” Ten Hag said of Shaw’s substitution. “Everyone knows my philosophy: to have Martinez and Luke Shaw, two left-footers.
“The way we did it, I liked it” ☺
Erik ten Hag reacts to a ‘massive win’ for Manchester United 🎙 pic.twitter.com/bcYV1t0U3C
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 11, 2024
“We also have had Tyrell Malacia out all season, so we have had to make compromises.”
Former United defender Gary Neville said the loss of Shaw had been “devastating” for United before their 86th-minute winner.
“It makes a lot of difference,” he told the broadcaster. “Luke Shaw cannot seem to stay fit. He has a very good left foot and partnership with Marcus Rashford.
“Just when United get Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw back, all of a sudden they’ve got Harry Maguire and Lindelof [at centre-back].”
