Luke Shaw's Grueling Comeback from Injury Hell
The phrase "horrible season" barely covers what Luke Shaw went through. Not many fans realize the amount of isolation and frustration that comes with being sidelined for nearly an entire year, especially for a player so pivotal to Manchester United’s defense. In the 2023-24 campaign, muscle injuries kept Shaw out of action for 46 matches—almost the whole rollercoaster ride from start to finish.
It all started with a calf injury picked up last summer, one of those nagging knocks that never quite let go. Recovery dragged on, pushing Shaw straight into a cycle that every athlete fears: just as you start feeling ready, another setback strikes. This was Shaw’s reality as he attempted to rejoin United’s lineup, only to break down again and again.
To call it "mentally draining" is putting it lightly. Shaw said himself, he felt like he had let the club and his teammates down. For a seasoned pro—the longest-serving first-teamer left at United—those emotions can really sting. The sense of responsibility forced him to reflect on what it means to wear the shirt, especially when your body just isn’t cooperating.
He finally managed a run of nine games late in the season, including a Europa League final start against Tottenham. But even those minutes on the pitch were shadowed by the stress of not knowing if his muscles would hold up for the next sprint or tackle. Missing almost an entire campaign can feel like watching your life happen through a window—there, but not part of it.
United's Ruthless New Direction Under Ruben Amorim
All the while, a new boss was making his mark. Ruben Amorim didn’t waste time laying down strict rules. Shaw, speaking after a long rehab stint in Doha that finally got him back on track, praised Amorim’s no-nonsense approach. Players who weren’t meeting the new standards—such as Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia—quickly found themselves on the sidelines during pre-season. Some might call it ruthless; Shaw calls it necessary.
The effect has been dramatic. Shaw says the squad now feels closer, like a genuine family. No more cliques or "stragglers" drifting through training; there’s only one direction and everyone’s on board. Amorim’s message is clear: the team comes first, individual egos second. For Shaw, who's lived through United's ups and downs, that shift in mentality means more than any formation or tactic.
With Shaw fit, feeling "reborn" after months of rehab, and the dressing room humming with unity before the league kicks off, fans might allow themselves a little hope. He’s eager to play his part again—hungry to repay the club after a lost year and energised by the passionate leadership of Amorim. If there’s one thing the past season has taught United’s number 23, it’s perseverance. And maybe, just maybe, the toughest days are finally in the rearview mirror.