Man United are handed ANOTHER defensive blow as Luke Shaw is forced off at half-time against Aston Villa… but Erik ten Hag insists it was a ‘precautionary’ move to protect England star
- Luke Shaw started for Man United away at Aston Villa, but had to be taken off
- He was replaced by Victor Lindelof at half-time, with fans concerned about injury
- The only PR managers get is results… Erik ten Hag’s handling of Marcus Rashford was a rare positive for the Man U boss – It’s all Kicking Off podcast
Luke Shaw’s withdrawal at half-time in the win at Aston Villa was a ‘precautionary measure’, boss Erik ten Hag revealed.
There was concern about the England full-back has had numerous injury problems in recent seasons.
United fans were quick to worry that their first-choice left-back would have to be sidelined again, but Ten Hag quickly allayed fears during his post-match press conference following a 2-1 win over Villa.
“Precaution,” said Ten Hag Air sports.
‘He had some complaints and we cannot take any risks with him because he has had injuries in the past.
There are concerns over Luke Shaw after he was subbed off at half-time against Aston Villa
Lisandro Martinez will be sidelined for eight weeks due to damage to the medial collateral ligaments
‘We’ll have to see how things go in the coming days. There is no advantage in losing him, everyone knows my philosophy of having left-footed players at left center back and left back. We have to make compromises and that is not to our advantage.’
Victor Lindelof, a centre-back tasked with covering the left-back, came on to replace him, with United looking to maintain a 1–0 lead following Rasmus Hojlund’s first-half strike.
United have made steps forward in recent weeks, but injuries now appear to be returning just as Ten Hag’s side are building some momentum.
News of Shaw’s half-time withdrawal comes just a week later from Lisandro Martinez damage to the medial ligament in his right knee in return for West Ham.
Shaw (right) had a complaint at half-time and Erik ten Hag said they cannot take any risks with him
The Argentine centre-back, who plays so well alongside Shaw, succumbed to a challenge from Vladimir Coufal in the second half of United’s 3-0 win at Old Trafford.
Martinez initially continued playing after treatment, but it only took a few minutes before he signaled to the bench to be taken off the field.
United confirmed last Monday that he will be out of action for at least eight weeks, although he will not require surgery.
Ten Hag’s side struggled when Shaw departed, with Villa equalizing through Douglas Luiz early in the second half, before substitute Scott McTominay scored a late win to rescue three points for United.