Manchester United’s Luke Shaw was back at the Carrington training complex on Monday, finally reporting for pre-season training after his extended break following his participation for England at Euro 2024.
The 29-year-old surprised many by featuring at the European Championship despite injury concerns from his time at Man United last season. He made three appearances, including the full 90 minutes in the final against Spain, where Gareth Southgate’s side suffered a 2-1 defeat.
Shaw’s ongoing injury problems have kept him out of action since February, missing the end of last season due to a muscular issue. With his lack of recent playing time, it is unlikely he will start in Saturday’s Community Shield against Manchester City. Youngster Harry Amass, at only 17 years old, may make his competitive debut in Shaw’s absence, with Tyrell Malacia still recovering from injury.
“He is not that far along now as Kobbie Mainoo was at this moment, but if we train him well, if we coach him well, then in three months it’s possible that he can be at that point,” said Man United boss Erik ten Hag regarding Amass’s potential impact. “But in this moment he needs to catch up and he has to develop some of the skills needed to play for Manchester United, when we are competing for the highest position in the league. But with big talent it can go very quickly and it is very interesting to see if he is capable of doing this.”
Amass, known for his composure on the ball, strong positioning, and tenacity in tackling, is viewed as an exciting prospect for the future. Despite being signed by Man United last year and being on the first-team bench several times, he has yet to make his competitive debut.
With doubts over Shaw’s long-term fitness and Malacia’s availability, Amass could find himself starting against Manchester City in the Community Shield. Ten Hag is considering giving the inexperienced full-back a chance to prove himself on the big stage.
Mainoo’s rapid integration into the first team gives hope that Amass can follow suit. The young player himself acknowledged the fast-paced nature of the game, stating: “It’s probably happened quicker than I expected. But that’s the game, anything can happen at any time, injuries come about and you’ve just got to take your chance when it comes.”
