Manchester United could have two players in action this evening as England take on Spain in the final of Euro 2024.
The Euro 2024 final is here and England will be looking to exorcise some demons from 2021.
Gareth Southgate’s side lost the Euro 2020 final against Italy and are now back in the final once again.
England haven’t exactly been convincing this summer but are now potentially just 90 minutes away from glory.
Two Manchester United players may be in action with Kobbie Mainoo set to start in midfield once again.
The teenager has been superb in the England midfield, nailing down a spot alongside Declan Rice in the engine room.
Mainoo could now help get England over the line in the final – and a role for Luke Shaw may be on the horizon too.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe message to Luke Shaw
United left back Shaw headed to Euro 2024 with his injury status completely unknown.
Shaw’s last United appearance was in a 2-1 win over Luton Town back in February, missing the final three months of the season through injury.
After missing the three group stage games against Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia, Shaw came off the bench to face Switzerland and then played 45 minutes against the Netherlands.
Shaw is likely to start the final from the bench but Southgate won’t have any qualms with putting him on if needed.
Shaw has now received a message from Sir Jim Ratcliffe ahead of the final, with the Ineos chief understandably having United on his mind.
As captured by BBC Sport, Ratcliffe simply begged Shaw not to injury his hamstring again in the final with the Premier League season moving ever close.
“Luke, please don’t pull your hamstring again,” said Ratcliffe.
Shaw rushed himself back from injury to start against Luton, but broke down with a hamstring problem to keep him on the sidelines in the run-up to Euro 2024.
Now coming back to full fitness once again, Shaw will be desperate to shine for England – but United fans will be desperate to see him avoid injury problems with pre-season fixtures set to begin.
United issues at left back
Left back proved to be a difficult spot for United last season.
Shaw only managed 12 Premier League appearances last term as injuries continue to haunt him.
Backup Tyrell Malacia suffered problems last pre-season and hasn’t been seen in action for United for well over a year now.
Diogo Dalot filled in at times but United can’t afford to have another season of chopping and changing at left back.
Speculation suggests that United are keen on Feyenoord’s David Hancko, a player who can operate at centre back and left back.
That may be something to keep in mind, especially with Ratcliffe clearly so worried about Shaw’s injury status – even in the midst of excitement around England being in a final.
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