Man Utd confirm huge Luke Shaw injury blow ahead of Premier League opener

Manchester United have revealed that left-back Luke Shaw will miss the start of the new season after suffering a calf injury in pre-season training.

Shaw was sidelined by a calf issue in February and missed the final few months of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, only returning in the late stages of England's Euro 2024 campaign.

The left-back did not feature in any pre-season friendlies, however, and United have now confirmed a new calf problem is to blame for Shaw's absence.

"Luke Shaw will miss the opening games of the Premier League season due to a calf injury sustained at the start of pre-season training," a short statement read.

"He is working hard on his rehabilitation with a view to being available after the first international break."

The first international break comes after the first weekend in September, three weeks into the new season.

United open their campaign at home to Fulham and will then travel to face Brighton & Hove Albion before a huge visit from Liverpool to send them into the international break.

Just how Erik ten Hag will replace Shaw remains to be seen. Natural deputy Tyrell Malacia is not expected back until October as he continues to recover from the injury that kept him sidelined for the entirety of last season, leaving United without any natural alternatives.

Centre-back Lisandro Martinez started the Community Shield defeat to Manchester City out on the left, with Ten Hag resisting the chance to hand more minutes to 17-year-old Harry Amass after an impressive pre-season.

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