Erik ten Hag made Manchester United transfer mistake twice with the same player this season

Manchester United are among the in-form teams in the Premier League since the turn of the year. Their win over Luton Town on Sunday moved them to within three points of the Europa League places and five away from the top four - however, it came at a cost.

Luke Shaw, for the second successive game, was forced off with an injury problem in the first half. Worryingly, he failed to make it to the break at Kenilworth Road - trudging down the tunnel on the stroke of half-time. Victor Lindelof would be his replacement, as he was at Villa Park seven days earlier.

But the injury issues at Old Trafford, in defence in particular are becoming fraught. Aaron Wan-Bissaka was absent again, while Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia continue to be consigned to the treatment table.

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After facing severe pressure midway through the campaign, Erik ten Hag has silenced his critics - since the beginning of 2024 United sit among the Premier League's form teams. They have shown a different side to their game, aided by a purple patch for summer-signing Rasmus Hojlund, which has catapulted them back into the conversation for European places.

However, there is a problem in defence after reports surfaced on Wednesday night that Shaw will be out for a few months with a muscular injury. It has been claimed that the recurrence of a hamstring injury could see him miss the remainder of the campaign, following a series of muscle issues that have hampered his involvement this season.

As it stands, Lindelof could continue deputising for Shaw