Luke Shaw

Why did Shaw come off against Granada?

Thursday 08 April 2021 23:13

Luke Shaw's half-time substitution as Manchester United beat Granada 2-0 on Thursday, may have caused some supporters to wonder and worry about the left-back's fitness, especially with a tough Premier League trip to Tottenham Hotspur just days away.

The in-form England international - our Player of the Month for both February and March - was enjoying another fine performance as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men kept out the hosts and moved into the lead in our Europa League tie, with an excellent strike from Marcus Rashford.

But Shaw, who was booked two minutes before the break for a foul on Antonio Puertas, did not return to the field when the second half began. Brazilian defender Alex Telles came on in his place at left-back.
When asked in his post-match press conference whether his decision to withdraw Shaw from the fray was tactical or due to an injury, Solskjaer indicated it was a precautionary measure.

"I had to protect Luke," replied the manager. "But I think and hope he should be okay for the weekend."
If our no.23 is passed fit and faces Spurs, it will be his 39th appearance in 50 United games across all competitions this season. Only six team-mates have made more outings in this campaign so far: Bruno Fernandes (47), Harry Maguire (46), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (44), Mason Greenwood and Scott McTominay (both 41).

Shaw will have to miss at least one game in April, however - like Maguire and McTominay - his yellow card in the first leg against Granada means he will be suspended for the return match at Old Trafford due to an accumulation of cautions.

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