Sir Jim Ratcliffe worst fears realised after Man United star's injury setback
When fit and firing, there are few better full-backs in the Premier League than Manchester United's Luke Shaw.
Whether it be for his club or his country, you could never argue Shaw doesn't give 100 per cent effort. His talents were perhaps emphasised when now-former manager Gareth Southgate decided to include him in England's Euro 2024 squad this summer despite missing most of last season through injury.
Even with him only being fit for the knockout stages, Southgate reckoned that Shaw was that good that he was worth being on the plane. The full-back would feature for the Three Lions at Euro 2024 as England reached the final.
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United co-owner, was among those to send Shaw his well wishes ahead of the clash with Spain in Berlin. In a friendly message focused on United's squad members Kobbie Mainoo and Shaw, Ratcliffe finished up by requesting: "Luke, please don't pull your hamstring again!"
Sadly for the Ineos owner, that fear has come true. Shortly after the Euro final, Shaw suffered a calf problem which kept him out of the final months of the Erik ten Hag era.
He would feature for half an hour in all three of Ruben Amorim's first matches at United, but he missed last night's clash with Arsenal due to his muscular injury. Shaw described the situation as 'absolutely devastating' and it's clear that opinion will be shared by Ratcliffe, too.
Sadly, it is getting to the stage where the 29-year-old's future at United is being called into question. He is under contract until 2027, but with Amorim looking to add his stamp to the squad and introduce wing-backs, now is the perfect time for the likes of Shaw to stake their claim.
Unfortunately, while sidelined, the English defender is not doing that and perhaps points to him being an ideal candidate to be sold to bring in some much-needed funds. Whatever happens, it is a nightmare scenario for all involved - and nobody will be more gutted than Shaw himself.
