How Luke Shaw's setback creates big problem for Ruben Amorim at Manchester United

Incoming Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim will begin his tenure without one of the team's most important players.

Manchester United confirmed that left-back Luke Shaw has suffered a setback as he attempts to return from a calf problem that has affected him for close to a year.

Shaw hasn't played for the Red Devils in over eight months, since suffering a muscle injury in February that ended his 2023/24 season.

While there is no denying the 29-year-old's ability; he is England's best left-back by a mile, but the constant injuries and fitness issues have become a recurring theme.

Shaw is so talented that Gareth Southgate took him to EURO 2024 while injured and similar to Reece James at Chelsea, the overriding sense is that the player is too talented to discard.

How Luke Shaw's setback affects Amorim's tactics

As United prepare to appoint Ruben Amorim as new head coach, a manager famous for his 3-4-3 formation and use of attacking wing-backs, you get the sense Shaw would have been excellent in this system.

Manchester United defender Luke Shaw

Luke Shaw in action for Manchester United || Photo Credit: Imago

Diogo Dalot spent a lot of time as an inverted left-back in Erik ten Hag's final games but there is no proof of its success as United struggled to create much from wide areas.

Shaw has 4 goals and 29 assists, but has made just 275 appearances since joining from Southampton in 2015; an average of 27 games per season.

There are reports that the club are seriously considering a new left-back in the January window, and Tyrell Malacia's imminent return may soften the blow, but there is no doubt, that Shaw's quality and deliveries will be sorely missed over the next few months as they transition into a new era under Amorim.