Manchester United have announced that left-back Luke Shaw will miss the start of the 2024/25 Premier League season due to a calf injury sustained during pre-season training.
This injury is a recurrence of a calf issue that previously sidelined Shaw in February, forcing him to miss the final months of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.
Although he made a late return during England’s Euro 2024 campaign, Shaw did not feature in any of United’s pre-season friendlies, leading to speculation about his fitness. United have now confirmed that a new calf problem is responsible for his absence.
In a brief statement, the club revealed: “Luke Shaw will miss the opening games of the Premier League season due to a calf injury sustained at the start of pre-season training. He is working hard on his rehabilitation with a view to being available after the first international break.” The first international break occurs after the first weekend in September, meaning Shaw could be out for at least the first three weeks of the new season.
Manchester United’s early fixtures include a home game against Fulham to open the campaign, followed by an away match against Brighton & Hove Albion, and a crucial home clash against Liverpool just before the international break. Shaw’s absence leaves manager Erik ten Hag with a significant challenge in terms of how to replace him.
Tyrell Malacia, Shaw’s natural deputy, is not expected to return until October as he continues to recover from an injury that kept him out for the entirety of last season. This situation leaves United without a natural left-back alternative.
In the Community Shield match against Manchester City, Ten Hag opted to start centre-back Lisandro Martinez on the left side of defense, rather than give minutes to 17-year-old Harry Amass, who had an impressive pre-season.
The decision not to utilize Amass suggests that Ten Hag may not yet be ready to rely on the young defender for regular Premier League action.
Shaw’s injury is a significant blow for Manchester United as they begin their new campaign, especially given the importance of a strong start in the highly competitive Premier League. The club will hope that Shaw can make a quick recovery and return to bolster the defense after the international break. However, until then,
Ten Hag will need to find a solution to the left-back problem, whether by relying on Martinez in an unfamiliar role or by exploring other options within the squad. The early weeks of the season could prove to be a stern test of United’s depth and adaptability.
