Injured Luke Shaw likely to miss Brighton match, says Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag
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Manchester United's Luke Shaw has played only 15 games in all competitions this season after being hit by injuries.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – Manchester United defender Luke Shaw’s injury is more complicated than previously thought, Erik ten Hag said, ahead of their final game of the English Premier League season at Brighton & Hove Albion on May 19.
Shaw has played only 15 games for the Red Devils across all competitions this term. The 28-year-old was expected to return from a muscle injury before the end of the season, but has now suffered a setback.
United, in eighth place, are level on 57 points with seventh-placed Newcastle United, who visit Brentford.
The Red Devils will need to finish seventh in the league to at least secure a place in the Europa Conference League.
Ten Hag’s hopes for a Europa League berth hinges on the result of the FA Cup final against rivals Manchester City on May 25 at Wembley.
If United beat holders City, they will play in Europe’s secondary club competition next season.
The United boss was asked about his players’ fitness ahead of the two crucial games and their chances of playing for England at the European Championship, which kicks off on June 14 in Germany.
“For England, I can’t say, it’s not up to me,” ten Hag said on May 16.
“But for the Cup final, we’re working on (it). Harry Maguire, it’s a fair chance that he will be available. Luke is more complicated in this moment. Let’s say it’s a low chance that he will make it.
“But there is still a very small, reduced chance.”
England play warm-up friendlies against Bosnia & Herzegovina on June 3 and Iceland on June 7, before travelling to Germany, where they begin their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia on June 16.
Ten Hag confirmed that defenders Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof have returned to training and are more likely to play in the FA Cup final than at Brighton.
With Varane leaving at the end of the season, the manager – whose job is under threat – was asked about United’s close-season transfer plans, but he refused to give anything away.
“All the issues will only distract us,” he said.
“We have to win games and (we have) two very important games, so all the focus from me, from the team has to be on those two games.” REUTERS, AFP
