There is a general acceptance that Erik ten Hag’s side is a better-functioning unit with Luke Shaw on the left side of his defence.
The full-back, noted for his defined ability in marshalling the backline and spearheading offensive onslaughts, played a starring role in many notable outings for Manchester United and England.
Furthermore, his relationship with Marcus Rashford – with the pair possessing an undeniable understanding – has aided the Wythenshawe man in discovering some of his finest form in attack.
However, following a devastating injury suffered during the tenure of Louis van Gaal, Shaw has endured a significant amount of physio time, rendering him unavailable for large portions of each following campaign.
Off the back of a forgettable season for United, the 28-year-old endured another calendar laden with absentees, featuring only 15 times across all competitions.
With Ineos pursuing a ‘best-in-class’ environment, will Shaw be deemed surplus to requirements?
An unfortunate history of injury
As touched on above, the London-born superstar endured a horrific double-fracture of his right leg during a Champions League outing against PSV Eindhoven in September 2015.
The injury occurred when the then 20-year-old had solidified his starting birth in Van Gaal’s side, resulting in a prolonged absence of 288 days and 64 fixtures.
A lesser man would have given up and walked away from the sport, but the defender’s desire to overcome his adversity is a testament to his mental strength – a sterling trait in his arsenal.
Despite resuming his first-team responsibilities, Shaw has endured a barrage of complications that have hampered his progression on a perennial basis, leaving many to question his future at the club.
Since returning from that horror injury, the Kingston upon Thames man has missed 902 days of play through various injuries, leading to 169 fixtures for club and country that he was unfit to line out in – an average of 21 per season.
According to Sportrac, Shaw earns £150,000 weekly or £7.8 Million per season – making him the ninth-highest earner at the club.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos team undergoing an end-of-season review, expenditure is a primary topic, with Profit and Sustainability a core target under the new hierarchy.
Present Day
Despite not kicking a ball for Ten Hag’s side since limping off the field against Luton during a Premier League fixture in February, many were surprised by his inclusion in Gareth Southgate’s final England panel for Euro 2024.
His absence throughout a painful campaign – coupled with the continued unavailability of Tyrell Malacia – left an unmissable void on the left of United’s line.
As the talented full-back continues his comeback from injury with individual training sessions, he remarked on the personal turmoil during another injury-ravaged campaign.
“I came back too quick, and I actually ended up getting another injury in my hamstring, which was three weeks from the final, and they said it was a six-week injury,” he is quoted as saying in the Manchester Evening News.
“So that’s why there was that setback. I think people have been getting confused about what’s actually happened because nothing had been said.
“I got a few people coming up to me, saying: ‘How can you not be fit for United but fit for England?’
The player’s frustrations are mirrored across the fanbase, with supporters desperately craving a sense of regularity in selection.
With United leading the league with individual injuries throughout 2023-24, Shaw’s unavailability was cursed alongside that of Lisandro Martinez.
He continued: “I felt something against Aston Villa and came off at half-time at Villa Park.
“It’s kind of everyone’s fault. Partly my fault, partly medical staff, I think everyone would admit that.”
An uncertain future
Having penned a new deal in April 2023, the left-back is contracted to the Old Trafford outfit until 2027.
That said, with every passing year in football, a contract is only worth the paper written on, and there is ample suggestion to state Ratcliffe and co are open to offers for the defender.
It is undeniable that Luke Shaw makes Manchester United and England better sides, but with constant uncertainty surrounding his reliability, should the club consider a change of approach?
What do you think? Would you accept an offer for the defender this summer? Let us know in the comments below.
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