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Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has swung to the defence of Luke Shaw amidst rising frustrations over the defender’s health.
Earlier this week, United confirmed that Shaw is ready to be sidelined through the early phases of the season as he recovers from a calf damage.
Shaw has not lined up for the Crimson Devils since he picked up a hamstring damage at Luton on February 18. Nevertheless, the left-back managed to play 3 times for England at Euro 2024, the place they had been overwhelmed within the closing by Spain.
The England worldwide returned to coaching for pre-season after a three-week break, solely to endure one other bodily setback. Shaw is at present averaging simply 19 league appearances a season over the last decade he has been at Outdated Trafford.
The frustrations over Shaw’s continued absence have been compounded by the truth that Tyrell Malacia can be unavailable after lacking the whole 2023/24 marketing campaign.
Ten Hag spoke to reporters and opened up about Shaw. The United boss stated, “First season once I was right here he performed many video games so I’m very assured we are going to get him again into form.”
“He’s solely 29 years outdated, he’s already performed many video games for Manchester United already. After I speak to Luke, he’s so dedicated, so united. I’ve a robust perception he’ll return rapidly and contribute to our ranges.”
With Rasmus Hojlund additionally not out there for choice vs. Fulham, Ten Hag might flip to new signing Joshua Zirkzee to guide the road for the membership. There may be additionally the choice of enjoying Bruno Fernandes additional ahead as was the case within the Group Protect and even deploying both Marcus Rashford or Jadon Sancho within the quantity 9 place.
Ten Hag stated about this dilemma, “I’m so comfortable I’ve these decisions, that matches for all items, all positions, we’d like quite a lot of gamers going into the season.”
“We take into consideration 60 video games so will probably be a survival of the fittest, we’d like squad depth. You must make decisions and also you want rotation. No participant can play all of the video games but additionally inside competitors and also you additionally want some weapons to make use of tactically.”
The Dutch coach remarked about Matthijs de Ligt – who simply joined the Reds from Bayern Munich – “He has implausible potential. Matthijs turned 25 this week and he has nearly 375 video games for Ajax, Juventus and Bayern Munich below the belt, that’s unimaginable and now he’s coming into his greatest years. He has nice expertise as a footballer and as a personality and character. I’m actually happy to have him right here.”
Throughout his time at United, Ten Hag has at occasions discovered himself on the finish of criticism for a perceived inclination to signing Dutch gamers or stars he beforehand labored with at Ajax.
When questioned about this, the 54-year-old identified, “Not for favouritism. To start with, it’s membership choices, none of them is just my resolution. It’s at all times backed and even introduced up via the scouting, recruitment, technical director or sporting director.”
“It’s a resolution made by greater than just one. However, some, you already know additionally gamers and personalities and it has to suit additionally within the finance.”
Ten Hag expressed his optimism that within the new season, United can battle on all fronts, together with the Premier League.
“With the 2 trophies we gained greater than every other membership, aside from Metropolis, in England. We’re assured, we’ve got a great workforce, we’ve got a great squad. We’ve got to be extra constant and we wish to win each competitors during which we’re collaborating, undoubtedly additionally the Premier League.”
United’s assembly at Outdated Trafford towards Marco Silva’s Fulham kicks off at 20:30 BST.
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