Manchester United fans simply could not ignore one deep-seated comparison after England star Luke Shaw was hit with another injury setback in the 2024-25 season.
The 29-year-old Manchester United defender has been plagued with injuries in the campaign and has been reduced to three appearances across all competitions.
Luke Shaw has been the Red Devils’ first-choice left-back and excelled on his day for United, but the England star’s injury record has hindered his full potential.
The United left-back missed the opening weeks of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign after he suffered a calf injury at the start of pre-season training.
The Three Lions international left some fans furious after he missed the second half of last season before going on to represent England at Euro 2024 last summer.
All three of Shaw’s appearances for United this season have come under Ruben Amorim, who has often been left without a viable left wing-back option.
The United star has not played for the Red Devils since Ruben Amorim’s men thumped Everton 4-0 at Old Trafford last December.
Shaw hit with new injury setback
Luke Shaw returned to first-team training with Manchester United last week before his latest injury setback at Old Trafford.
According to The Daily Mirror, the United defender will miss the fourth-round FA Cup clash at Old Trafford on Sunday against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City side.
However, Shaw is expected to return to training on Monday next week, with the United player leaving Ruben Amorim with a big choice to make for Friday’s match.
United right-back Diogo Dalot has often played out on the left in the absence of Shaw this season, but Amorim could now turn to new signing Patrick Dorgu.
Amorim has also seen Tyrell Malacia, who often played second fiddle to Shaw, be loaned out to Dutch side PSV Eindhoven for the rest of the season.
Man Utd fans make Shaw comparison
United fans on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, compared Shaw’s injury track record to Phil Jones’ injury-hit spell at Old Trafford.
Phil Jones was released by United in 2023 before he retired from football last summer, with the former Red Devils defender’s career marred with injuries.
“Luke Shaw is the new Phil Jones. Never fit,” one fan said.
Another United supporter wrote: “Is it the right time for Luke Shaw to hang his boots? Same situation as Phil Jones, man!”
“Phil Jones + Luke Shaw have had the miserable end of their careers,” a third posted.
Someone else tweeted: “Luke Shaw … Remember when Phil Jones said he felt his knee again in training so he decided to retire.”
A fifth X user suggested: “Let’s be realistic. Luke Shaw is broken; he’s never going to stay fit. He’ll see out his contract at United, just like Phil Jones and then retire. We can’t even sell him like this.”
Another commented: “Shaw injured again? Naaa [sic] Shaw out in the summer. We cannot have another Phil Jones […].”
While a seventh added: “Shaw is just another Phil Jones at this point. It’s time to terminate the contract. At this point, I don’t even know who will pay a transfer fee for the lad.”
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