An uncomfortable conversation is required about Luke Shaw and Manchester United

Death, taxes and Manchester United defender Luke Shaw picking up injuries.

Shaw is a wonderful footballer and makes a blatant difference when he plays, but his injury record cannot be ignored and it suggests another left-back might need to be signed. The 28-year-old was substituted on the stroke of half-time against Luton Town last weekend after sustaining a muscle injury and it was confirmed on Wednesday night that he would be out for a few months with that problem, meaning he could miss the remainder of the season.

Shaw was brought off during the interval against Aston Villa a week earlier and Erik ten Hag said that was a precaution. He was deemed fit enough to play at Kenilworth Road after overcoming a late fitness test but, with the benefit of hindsight, he shouldn't have featured.

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Tyrell Malacia is a long-term absentee after two rounds of knee surgery and Sergio Reguilon was sent back to Tottenham after a short-term loan. Shaw was the only left-back available in the squad and makeshift options, like Victor Lindelof and Sofyan Amrabat, will now have to be used.

Ten Hag and his medical staff must take responsibility for giving Shaw the green light to face Luton and the handling of him throughout the season has been questionable at best. After picking up an injury at the London Stadium before Christmas, Shaw was absent for more than a month. Then he started against Newport County, Wolves, West Ham; Aston Villa (when he picked up a knock and was substituted at half-time) and Luton in the space of 19 days.

A load of starting a game every 3.8 days immediately after returning from injury is