Manchester United’s longest-serving player could be replaced after ‘hiding behind injury’ comment

Luke Shaw, a Manchester United defender and the club’s all-time longest-serving player, missed significant time this season due to injury.

A month ago, Wayne Rooney speculated that certain Manchester United players were concealing their injuries.

Rooney stated that he was “absolutely certain” that certain United players who had been injured were fit to play, and Erik ten Hag replied that his squad is completely committed.

“You have to see here in Carrington, the players are desperate to play,” according to Ten Hag. “Bruno [Fernandes] did a fitness test on Sunday to play and [Marcus] Rashford did everything he could do.”

It was unclear to whom Rooney was referring, but a few weeks later, Luke Shaw implied via a lengthy social media post that he believed he was implicated.

Shaw wrote the following following to his team’s FA Cup victory over Manchester City: “Ecstatic to see the lads hoist the trophy over the weekend and conclude the season on a positive note. Regardless of how much I desired the outcome, it was difficult to observe from the stands. Without a doubt, this season has been the most trying of my entire life.

“I have worked incredibly hard to regain my fitness after experiencing setback after setback, but alas, nothing has gone my way. I endeavored to recover prior to the conclusion of the season.

However, certain circumstances simply do not align with purpose. Nothing excites me more than competing and triumphing with United. While it is not my custom to respond to content shared on social media, a significant number of individuals have questioned my allegiance to this club and questioned my fitness for England rather than United.

“At this moment, I am not entirely fit for either, but I am diligently striving to improve and doing everything in my power to become so.” Determining my loyalty to this club after ten years, during which time it has experienced both highs and lows, is plainly infuriating.

“I acknowledge that I have not provided you with regular updates regarding my injuries and rehabilitation progress; however, it is of the utmost importance that we continue to support the team in play. Currently, exercising is my primary concern; I will be prepared for anything that may occur this summer. We express our gratitude for your forbearance.”

Shaw and Ten Hag shared a cordial embrace during the FA Cup victory celebrations, and United have suffered a severe loss due to his protracted absence this season.

The left-back concluded the season with a meager 15 appearances across all competitions. His final appearance occurred in February against Luton Town, and it was during that match that he suffered a muscle injury.

Numerous supporters averted their gazes in disbelief upon learning of Shaw’s recent ailment and subsequent season-long absence. The defender’s ten years with the club have been marred by injury concerns, but it could be argued that he has been mismanaged this season.

A week prior to suffering his season-ending injury against Luton, Shaw was “precautionarily” substituted at halftime against Aston Villa.

A late fitness test was successfully completed, resulting in his eligibility to compete at Kenilworth Road; however, in retrospect, he should have been granted an additional period to recuperate.

It is the fault of Ten Hag and his medical staff that Shaw was given the green light to face Luton, as his treatment has been inconsistent throughout the season.

Following a pre-Christmas injury sustained at the London Stadium, Shaw was sidelined for over one month. Then, in the span of 19 days, he started against Luton, Newport County, Wolves, West Ham, Aston Villa (where he was substituted at halftime due to an injury), and Wolves.

It is not recommended to commence a workload of starting a game every 3.8 days promptly following a return from injury. Furthermore, his management upon his initial muscle injury was subpar.

From August 19 to November 26, Shaw did not participate in any football. However, rather than being gradually reintroduced, he was required to start every game until he was unable to do so once more.

The defender returned for the 3-0 victory at Goodison Park over Everton and then started 17 consecutive games in the span of 17 days, including those against Galatasaray, Newcastle, Chelsea, Bournemouth, and Bayern Munich (when he was substituted at halftime due to an injury).

That equates to a tremendous amount of work for a game every 2.8 days, which is incomprehensible following a lengthy absence. After receiving that knock against Bayern, Shaw was permitted to play; he started against Liverpool before being sidelined for a month in the following match against West Ham.

Despite Shaw’s dismal record of injuries, his current predicament this season is understandable due to the unjust demands placed on his body immediately following his returns.

It can be inferred, without the need for medical expertise, that United may have been inviting trouble by starting Shaw in consecutive games within a brief timeframe following muscle injuries.

Despite the fact that Shaw’s ailments followed a predictable pattern throughout the season, United may still demote him this summer if they are able to acquire a left-back who can maintain a perfect health record.

Shaw joined United from Southampton in 2014, and during his decade in Manchester, he has sustained numerous muscle, hamstring, ankle, groin, foot, and cranium injuries.

Since his entry two seasons ago, he has been limited to seventy percent of games per season, which explains why many believe it is time to replace the 28-year-old.

Despite being United’s longest-serving player and capable of delivering exceptional performances when healthy, Shaw’s injury history is unsatisfactory and could potentially jeopardize his starting position.

Although he was outstanding during the 2022–23 season and a revelation when starting in central defense, his availability continues to be a deficiency, despite the fact that it is the most valuable quality.

Even after suffering a double leg fracture in 2015, Shaw returned to football, which is, in some respects, a remarkable accomplishment. Despite the fact that he is an unseen leader in the locker room and performs charitable work that is not widely known, United require a left-back capable of appearing in 60 games per season.

Shaw has enrolled in the England training camp in preparation for Euro 2024, and Gareth Southgate will provide him with every opportunity to reach the final squad for the German tournament.

Southgate stated regarding Shaw, “I must say he’s up against it; he’s missed a lot of football.” “Because he has been the preferred candidate for that position, we are likely devoting more time to him than we otherwise would have.”

“What is realistic at this time is uncertain to me.” I have spoken with him, and the medical staff is in close communication with Manchester United. Nevertheless, I must state that he is a long shot.”

Coming up next week are friendlies for England. On June 16, United will commence their Euro 2024 campaign, and they will be hoping against Shaw’s exclusion from the final squad announcement.

United would benefit from Shaw’s non-commissioning for England following a season marred by injuries; he would have an unrestricted summer to prepare for the upcoming campaign.

Shaw’s desire to represent his country if his physical condition permits is rational.

However, that might not be in the best interest of his United career.