Shortly before the 2024/25 Premier League season began, Manchester United received the most predictable news possible.
Luke Shaw suffering an injury was utterly farcical news, which United attempted to soften at the time.
United made clear Shaw’s injury was expected to be a short-term one, tipping him to be back ‘after the international break’.
Supporters are awaiting information on Shaw’s recovery, with no further updates provided since.
Will Luke Shaw play vs Southampton
Right now it looks unlikely Luke Shaw will make an immediate return to face his former club Southampton this coming weekend.
Shaw, 29, has started just one match for club and country since February, the Euro 2024 final.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe made reference to Shaw’s injury history before that game, pleading with him not to get injured again.
The defender’s injury has left United short-handed at full-back, once again, with Tyrell Malacia still a few weeks away.
Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have been covering United’s two full-back positions, but this has been easier due to the first month schedule.
Now with Carabao Cup and Europa League fixtures incoming, United are entering a phase of fixtures with five games in 15 days.
Having one extra full-back option available will be vital for Manchester United, benefitting both Dalot and Mazraoui.
Luke Shaw is also arguably United’s best full-back too, capable of having a game-changing impact on the team when he is at his best.
Erik ten Hag knows not to rush Luke Shaw
Erik ten Hag is likely eagerly awaiting updates on Luke Shaw’s return, and yet, he has surely learned by now to tread carefully.
Even if Shaw was passed fit to face the Saints this weekend, would it really be a good idea to start him?
United made the mistake early last season when Shaw was available, by throwing him straight into an intense fixture schedule.
This is a player with a rough injury history. Alone in the past 12 months Shaw has suffered five separate injuries.
In 2024 alone, Shaw has played only five Manchester United matches, and seven total for club and country.
Hopefully over the next upcoming games, Shaw will gradually be phased in. He can make a real difference.
But initially, it needs to continue as the Dalot and Mazraoui show, rather than taking the risk of expecting Shaw to return as a full ‘go’.
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