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Luke Shaw’s Injury Setback Highlights the Wisdom Behind Manchester United’s £25m Patrick Dorgu Signing

Luke Shaw’s ongoing injury woes at Manchester United have underlined the justification behind the club’s decision to invest £25million in Danish left-back Patrick Dorgu.

Signed on transfer deadline day from Italian side Lecce, Dorgu’s acquisition now seems even more pertinent as Shaw’s injury troubles continue to plague his career. The 29-year-old England international has struggled to stay fit, and his most recent setback only highlights the risks United faced in relying on him as their first-choice left-back.

Shaw’s injury record has been a source of frustration over the past 12 months. Since making just five appearances for Manchester United in the last year, he has battled numerous issues, including hamstring and calf injuries.

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His participation in Euro 2024 was limited, with Shaw returning for a few substitute appearances before being ruled out of action until the quarter-finals. His comeback has been short-lived, as he suffered another injury setback in December that kept him out of United’s lineup. This latest setback, coming after Shaw had finally returned to first-team training, only reinforces the concerns over his durability.

The latest injury will keep Shaw sidelined for United’s FA Cup fourth-round match against Leicester. However, the club remains hopeful that he will return to training by the following Monday. In the meantime, manager Ruben Amorim’s decision to bring in Patrick Dorgu appears to be paying off.

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The 20-year-old Dorgu, who joined United for an initial £25million, will provide much-needed depth at left-back, and could even make his debut in the upcoming FA Cup tie. The arrival of Dorgu, coupled with the loan departure of second-choice left-back Tyrell Malacia to PSV Eindhoven, underscores United’s commitment to strengthening this crucial position.

Dorgu’s potential to start for United now looks even more likely, with Diogo Dalot having filled in at left-back during much of Amorim’s tenure. While Shaw’s injury troubles persist, Dorgu offers a fresh alternative for the Red Devils. His signing gives United a reliable option in case Shaw’s issues continue, and his versatility could be invaluable for the team. With Shaw’s fitness still in question, Dorgu’s arrival has given United’s manager greater flexibility to rotate his squad, particularly in light of the club’s busy fixture schedule.

Shaw Expressed Frustration

Shaw himself expressed his frustration with the recurring injuries that have marred his career. In a heartfelt social media post, he admitted feeling devastated by the latest setback, acknowledging the emotional toll it has taken. He voiced his understanding of the disappointment from fans and the club, but also emphasized that no one is more affected by the situation than himself.

Shaw’s struggles are compounded by a long history of injuries, having suffered 76 separate injury periods throughout his career, including a significant double leg break while playing for United in 2015. With over four-and-a-half years of his career spent on the sidelines, Shaw’s recent run of injuries has cast doubt on his future at Old Trafford.

United manager Ruben Amorim has stated that Shaw needs more time to train and regain match fitness before being considered for a starting role. Amorim’s comments suggest that Shaw’s return to full match readiness may take time, as the player works to rebuild his fitness alongside his teammates. For now, United will look to Dorgu to fill the void left by Shaw’s continued absence, while Shaw himself will be hoping to recover quickly and prove he can overcome his injury setbacks to regain his place in the squad.

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