Rangnick says Shaw’s need for an operation came ‘unexpectedly’ to him

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Manchester United defender Luke Shaw needs an operation after coming off injured at half-time against Leicester.

At his pre-match press conference before today’s trip to Goodison Park to face Everton, Ralf Rangnick was asked if the procedure is normal in these circumstances.

Or rather, is it a cause for concern? Rangnick admitted it came as a surprise to him but that the medical team had told him it is the best course of action.

Shaw is set to miss a period of two to three weeks, as United try and claw their way back into the race for the top four.

“Well, to me it came quite unexpectedly, to be honest, and the same is true with our medical department,” said Rangnick when posed the question.

“He told me now that in the international break, when he was with the England squad, he had some problems there.

“Then he played against Leicester but even five minutes before half-time, he had an issue and had to be treated on the pitch.

“At half-time, the doctor came to see me, letting me know he cannot play on and since then we’ve been discussing what is best. Now, they’ve decided to have those two bolts removed.”

It is a frustrating setback for Shaw and it is disappointing for him that he is still struggling with the impact of his leg break during Louis van Gaal’s reign.

Hopefully, this latest procedure does the trick and puts an end to his fitness issues moving forward.

Perhaps, Rangnick might be a tad annoyed that he played in two England friendlies when he had discomfort and plenty of other players at other clubs pulled out of the squad.

Alex Telles should get the chance to impress at Goodison Park today and he has arguably been in better form than Shaw this season anyway.