Luke Shaw will have an absolutely crucial role to play over the next few weeks, if he can prove his fitness.
Luke Shaw has missed the last two matches for Manchester United including last night’s game with Sevilla.
There is reason to be positive with his injury. Erik ten Hag told his press conference ahead of the Sevilla game he expects him back shortly.
The manager said: “Luke Shaw I expect him back at short notice.”
Luke Shaw return is crucial
Luke Shaw’s expected return is going to be absolutely crucial for the rest of Manchester United’s season. For multiple reasons.
He is of course Manchester United’s best left-back. This was reinforced with Tyrell Malacia’s error against Sevilla.
But it is Shaw’s ability to play at centre-back which could really come in handy over the coming weeks.
This is due to Lisandro Martinez’s injury, which looks to be serious. Erik ten Hag admitted it does not look good.
Shaw filled in when Martinez was suspended against Barcelona. He was even preferred to him in the Manchester derby.
We could see quite a bit of Shaw at centre-back in the coming weeks, especially if there are issues with Raphael Varane too.
Then there is the FA Cup semi-final and Harry Maguire’s suspension. If United are without Varane, Martinez and Maguire, then it will be Shaw and Lindelof at centre-back, with no back-up.
This is providing Shaw makes his recovery, without any setbacks. Fortunately United are in a position where Shaw has already proven he can play centre-back in Erik ten Hag’s system, rather than having to experiment.
Hopefully he will be fit to feature next week in Seville even if this weekend were to come too soon.
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