Man Utd dealt ‘worse than expected’ injury blow which has forced Erik ten Hag to scour the transfer market

Manchester United have been dealt a hefty injury blow as they are prepared to be without key man Luke Shaw, who has picked up a muscle injury. He will join new signing Mason Mount on the sidelines, who is set the miss the two fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Arsenal due to an unspecified injury.

The club posted an update on their website, stating that “the small complaint is expected to keep Mount out until the international break next month.” The midfielder joined the club from Chelsea as part of United’s summer transfer haul but he is yet to really find his groove with his new side.

Shaw will also miss the upcoming domestic matches and he is a doubt for England’s upcoming international break schedule as well, which will see them take on Ukraine in the European Qualifiers, followed by a friendly against Scotland. The worry doesn’t just stop there either.

Despite United claiming the full-back will be out for ‘a number of weeks’, the Manchester Evening News has reported that his injury is actually worse than originally expected. Shaw will reportedly be sidelined for ‘up to two months’ with his muscle problem and as a result, Erik ten Hag and his team have taken to the transfer market to bring in a replacement for immediate use.

Without Shaw, United do not have a tried and tested left-back who can fill in during this highly-anticipated Premier League season. Tyrell Malacia is also out injured and his problem will ‘take some time’ to clear up before he is fit for contention. The only other natural option at left-back is Álvaro Fernandez, who is yet to make a senior appearance for the Red Devils.

There is a week left before the transfer window comes to a close, so United will need to act fast if they want to bring in a replacement for Shaw in time.