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Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has swung to the defence of Luke Shaw amidst growing frustrations over the defender’s fitness.
Earlier this week, United confirmed that Shaw is set to be sidelined during the early stages of the season as he recovers from a calf injury.
Shaw has not lined up for the Red Devils since he picked up a hamstring injury at Luton on February 18. However, the left-back managed to play three times for England at Euro 2024, where they were beaten in the final by Spain.
The England international returned to training for pre-season after a three-week break, only to suffer another physical setback. Shaw is currently averaging just 19 league appearances a season over the decade he has been at Old Trafford.
The frustrations over Shaw’s continued absence have been compounded by the fact that Tyrell Malacia is also unavailable after missing the entire 2023/24 campaign.
Ten Hag spoke to reporters and opened up about Shaw. The United boss said, “First season when I was here he played many games so I am very confident we will get him back into shape.”
“He is only 29 years old, he’s already played many games for Manchester United already. When I talk to Luke, he is so committed, so united. I have a strong belief he will return quickly and contribute to our levels.”
With Rasmus Hojlund also not available for selection vs. Fulham, Ten Hag may turn to new signing Joshua Zirkzee to lead the line for the club. There is also the option of playing Bruno Fernandes further forward as was the case in the Community Shield or even deploying either Marcus Rashford or Jadon Sancho in the number nine position.
Ten Hag said about this dilemma, “I am so happy I have those choices, that fits for all units, all positions, we need a number of players going into the season.”
“We think about 60 games so it will be a survival of the fittest, we need squad depth. You have to make choices and you need rotation. No player can play all the games but also internal competition and you also need some weapons to use tactically.”
The Dutch coach remarked about Matthijs de Ligt – who just joined the Reds from Bayern Munich – “He has fantastic potential. Matthijs turned 25 this week and he has almost 375 games for Ajax, Juventus and Bayern Munich under the belt, that is incredible and now he is coming into his best years. He has great skills as a footballer and as a character and personality. I am really pleased to have him here.”
During his time at United, Ten Hag has at times found himself at the end of criticism for a perceived inclination to signing Dutch players or stars he previously worked with at Ajax.
When questioned about this, the 54-year-old pointed out, “Not for favouritism. First of all, it is club decisions, none of them is only my decision. It is always backed or even brought up through the scouting, recruitment, technical director or sporting director.”
“It is a decision made by more than only one. But, some, you know also players and personalities and it has to fit also in the finance.”
Ten Hag expressed his optimism that in the new season, United can fight on all fronts, including the Premier League.
“With the two trophies we won more than any other club, apart from City, in England. We are confident, we have a good team, we have a good squad. We have to be more consistent and we want to win every competition in which we are taking part, definitely also the Premier League.”
United’s meeting at Old Trafford against Marco Silva’s Fulham kicks off at 20:30 BST.
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