Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has made a striking statement about left-back Luke Shaw, asserting that he will never again be able to complete an entire season due to his past leg injury.
Shaw’s career was drastically impacted by a severe leg break during Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven in September 2015. Which sidelined him for 11 months. Despite his return, Shaw has struggled with injuries, having suffered 24 separate injuries during his tenure at United, missing a total of 264 games.
Ten Hag expressed high praise for Shaw, calling him the “best left back in the world,” but acknowledged the lasting impact of his injury. “Luke Shaw is the best left back in the world. This guy is so good. But he has suffered a horrible injury at the start of his career and because of this. He will NEVER be able to play 60 games per season,” Ten Hag told Dutch outlet Vi.NL.
This season has been particularly challenging for United at left-back. Shaw has managed only 15 appearances due to a muscle issue since February. Meanwhile, Tyrell Malacia, the intended backup, has not played or even trained this season. As a result, Diogo Dalot has been filling in on the left side. Performing admirably and scoring in the recent 2-0 victory over Brighton.
United face a critical FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley, needing a win to secure Europa League qualification after finishing eighth in the Premier League. Reflecting on the importance of the match, Ten Hag said, “It’s a highlight. The FA Cup is a huge event. It is bigger in England than, for example, the Europa League. And in the Netherlands we also know the rich tradition of this tournament.”
He added, “We will certainly do that, but with the drive to get the most out of it. We will have to be very strong, but it is one match and nothing is impossible.”
As United prepares for the final, Ten Hag’s comments highlight both the challenges and the high stakes facing the team and its players.
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