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Luke Shaw has opened up on his injury and fitness troubles which ruled him out of action for a large part of Manchester United’s 2023/24 season and England’s opening games of Euro 2024.
Shaw finally returned to action during England’s quarter-final clash vs. Switzerland. He came on from the bench to replace Kieran Trippier at left-back.
The United full-back helped the Three Lions to beat Switzerland via a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
Shaw has been sidelined since February when United beat Luton Town. He spoke at a press conference and admitted that he suffered setbacks during his recovery.
He said, “The last four months have been really tough. At the start, I was expected to come back a lot sooner, but I went through a lot of setbacks. It was really nice to get on the other night and get some minutes, I’ve been itching [for it].”
“Of course, I think I am [fit and ready to play a full 90 minutes], that is down to Gareth’s decision. I feel fit and ready to go.”
Shaw continued, “I think before the squad got announced, we had a plan [for my recovery]. The plan was to come back around the second or third game [of the Euros] but, unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned and I was pushed back a game or so.”
“Of course, it’s tough. They were really there for me, not just Gareth and Steve [Holland, the assistant coach] but the medical staff as well. I have a lot to thank them for. It’s been strange. It’s also been difficult as well, going to games, feeling the atmosphere, not putting the shirt on or being involved in games was hard, but that motivated me more to work [my way] back.”
He added, “It’s been strange. It’s also been difficult as well, going to games, feeling the atmosphere, not putting the shirt on or being involved in games was hard, but that motivated me more to work [my way] back.”
In terms of United, Shaw revealed that he spoke to Erik ten Hag and the club’s medical team on multiple occasions. He explained that they touched base and also ensured they were in constant communication with England to aid in his progress.
When asked whether Ten Hag had given him any advice ahead of England’s clash vs. the Dutch team, Shaw remarked that the United boss sent him a cheeky message that he found funny. He refused to divulge the actual details of the message from Ten Hag.
Shaw also delved into Kobbie Mainoo’s astronomic rise in an England shirt.
Shaw lavished praise on his young United teammate and stated, “The growth is scary really, it’s been really quick for him. When I first saw Kobbie, he was in and out of the first-team training, but you could really see the qualities he had.”
The 28-year-old noted that he no longer regards Mainoo as a young lad anymore as he’s now one of the team’s main players.
According to Shaw, Mainoo “can do everything” and to maintain the upward trajectory he’s currently on, the 19-year-old must continue to be level-headed.
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