In the build-up to Sunday’s European Championship final in Berlin, Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had a message for Luke Shaw.
“All the very best of luck on Sunday and I sincerely hope that you are successful,” said Ratcliffe, appearing in a montage video created by BBC Sport. “Luke, please don’t pull your hamstring again.”
Shaw had not started for England at the tournament prior to that video being created, appearing from the bench against Switzerland and the Netherlands. They marked his first outings since being forced off at half-time during United’s 2-1 win over Luton Town in February.
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Therefore, it was something of a surprise when England manager Gareth Southgate made the decision to start Shaw from the off at the Olympiastadion, tasking him with stopping Spain youngster Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old had lit up the tournament and Shaw could not have asked for a bigger test.
However, the United defender relied on all his years of experience to keep the winger at arm’s length in the first half, marshalling him expertly. He made it clear to Yamal within the first minute that he would not have it all his own way.
With the contest goalless at half-time, Shaw would have returned to the dressing room more than satisfied with his showing in the opening 45 minutes. Although he was unable to get forward as much as he likes to in United colours, he was defensively sound.
Yamal, however, was the architect of Spain’s opener just two minutes into the start of the second half, shrugging off Shaw, moving inside and picking out an unmarked Nico Williams who cooly slotted home the opening goal. Yamal was just too quick, as he had been for most opposing full-backs throughout the tournament.
But that goal should not take the shine off what was a solid showing from Shaw on his first start since February 18. He was generally accomplished, completing four clearances, winning three tackles and completing 93 per cent of his attempted passes.
Along with Lisandro Martinez, Shaw was one of United’s most missed players last season, featuring just 15 times in all competitions. United missed his ability to progress the ball from deep, the balance he brings to the left side of the defence and his ability to make overlapping runs.
United missed Shaw last season. (Image: James Baylis – AMA/Getty Images.) In 2022/23, Shaw played 47 times for United, helping them achieve a top four finish and win the Carabao Cup. He was an indispensable figure who was a key part of the vision Erik ten Hag was trying to implement.
Shaw’s almost ever-present status at left-back was a key factor in Marcus Rashford’s goalscoring form that season. The latter reached 30 goals in a single campaign for the first time in his career and much of it stemmed from the left-side partnership he had developed with his countryman.
Shaw constantly bombed forward on the outside, allowing Rashford to cut inside onto his stronger right foot. His attacking runs also dragged a defender with him, creating space for Rashford to weave his magic.
Just over a month into this summer’s transfer window, Rashford’s United future remains uncertain. United have not ruled out the possibility of him being sold, with a £70m fee mooted, but sources have indicated the club’s preference is for him to stay and try to reach the heights he reached in 2022/23.
If United dream of unleashing that version of Rashford this coming season, and not the one that scored a paltry eight goals last term, being able to count on Shaw will be key to their ambitions. The duo developed a perfect partnership in Ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford and it cannot be a coincidence that Rashford regressed last season when Shaw spent much of the campaign in the treatment room.
On the few occasions they did start on the left together last term, Rashford was more effective. Their first-half display in the 4-3 win over Wolves at Molineux in February was particularly memorable.
Of course, United are unlikely to be able to count on Shaw staying fit for the full season, and that is simply down to the sad reality of his injury record, but they will be hoping they get more than 15 games out of him this term.
If they do, and he regularly reaches the standards Ten Hag knows he can, Rashford might benefit more than anyone.
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