Manchester United’s defensive woes have deepened with the news that Luke Shaw has suffered yet another injury setback, forcing the England international to remain on the sidelines for an extended period. The latest blow comes at the worst possible time for United’s new manager, Ruben Amorim, who is already grappling with a crisis in his backline.
According to an inside source at Old Trafford, as relayed by Give Me Sport, Shaw is now expected to be out for at least “four weeks,” though the timeline for his return is uncertain and “depending on treatment and rehab.” The same source, reportedly well-connected within United, previously provided accurate information regarding Lisandro Martínez’s minor injury earlier this season, adding credibility to the report.
Shaw’s Return Delayed Again
This latest setback compounds what has been a frustrating and injury-ridden campaign for Shaw. The 29-year-old defender had recently returned to first-team training, raising hopes that he could play a pivotal role in Amorim’s tactical setup. However, his ongoing struggles with fitness have once again left United short of options at a critical juncture in the season.
Shaw’s absence is even more significant given the recent devastating injury sustained by Lisandro Martínez. The Argentine centre-back was stretchered off during United’s last fixture at Old Trafford after a distressing incident that saw him clutching his knee in clear agony. Subsequent scans confirmed a severe cruciate ligament injury, ruling him out for an extended period. For a player who, before his move to United in 2022, had no notable history of recurring injuries, this latest setback is a cruel twist of fate.
Defensive Crisis Deepens for Amorim
With Martínez sidelined, Shaw would have been a logical replacement in the left centre-back (LCB) role. The England international has excelled in that position before, particularly in a back-three system, which Amorim has utilised effectively in the past. Given the Portuguese manager’s tactical preference, Shaw’s ability to slot into that role would have been invaluable.
Instead, Amorim now finds himself without two of his most accomplished defensive options. While Shaw might have been originally earmarked for the left wing-back (LWB) position, the arrival of Patrick Dorgu from Lecce had provided the manager with additional flexibility. The Danish starlet’s presence meant that Shaw could have been redeployed centrally to bolster United’s defence in Martínez’s absence.
Playing as a centre-back would have also alleviated some of the physical strain on Shaw, allowing him to gradually reintegrate into the side. However, his unfortunate injury history has once again halted any such plans. What should have been a chance for a smooth return has turned into yet another period of rehabilitation and recovery.
A Theatre of Nightmares for Amorim
For Amorim, who took charge at Old Trafford in November, the current situation must feel like a baptism of fire. The 39-year-old manager was expected to reinvigorate a squad that had struggled with consistency, but he now finds himself facing a growing list of injuries to key personnel.
United’s long-standing defensive frailties have been a major concern in recent years, and Shaw’s continued absence only exacerbates the problem. With a demanding fixture schedule ahead, Amorim is now left scrambling for alternative solutions. The Theatre of Dreams, which once stood as a symbol of United’s dominance, is currently offering him more nightmares than triumphs.
