'Not an advantage to lose him' - Erik ten Hag confirms fresh Luke Shaw blow as Man Utd boss forcefully defends injury-plagued defender's role in the team

Shaw suffered a serious injury early in the season and missed a significant portion of the first half of the campaign before returning. On Sunday, however, there were concerns at Villa Park when the England international was substituted off at half-time. The left-back didn't appear to be experiencing any discomfort in the minutes before the half, but Erik ten Hag gave an update on the situation after the match.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Ten Hag said of why he took Shaw off early: "Precaution. He had some complaints and we can't take any risks with him because he's had any injuries in the past. We'll have to see how it goes in the next few days. It's not an advantage to lose him, everyone knows my philosophy to have left-footers at left centre-back and left-back. We have to make compromises and it is not to our advantage."

Ten Hag has been very unlucky this season, with injuries plaguing his defensive line from the start of the season. All of his first-team defenders have suffered at least one injury this season. At the moment, United still have Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia out injured and Ten Hag may have to look to Victor Lindelof to plug the gap at left-back if Shaw is unable to play in the coming matches.

Ten Hag has the leeway of seven days ahead of him as the medical team will figure out the recovery plan for Shaw ahead of United's visit to Luton Town on Sunday, February 18.