Former Manchester United defender names player who has been a 'big loss' for Erik ten Hag

Former centre-back Mikael Silvestre believes Luke Shaw has been a 'big loss' for Manchester United so far this season, suggesting they have really struggled in his absence.

The left-back has been sidelined since August with a muscular injury. United confirmed, at the time, he would be out for 'a number of weeks'.

He last featured for the Reds in their second Premier League game of the season, starting the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 19. His injury forced United into recruiting a replacement left-back in the latter stages of the summer transfer window , bringing in Spurs defender Sergio Reguilon on loan.

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The Spaniard, however, has been in and out of the team since his arrival, encountering both injury issues and illness. It has meant the left-back berth has been shared among several members of Erik ten Hag's squad.

Diogo Dalot, despite being a right-back by trade, is currently manning the left-back spot. Sofyan Amrabat and Victor Lindelof have also deputised in Shaw's absence.

The England international was a key figure in United's success last season, racking up 47 appearances in all competitions. He was key to the way United played, as well as developing a fruitful left-sided partnership with Marcus Rashford.

"It can't get any worse and I think there are players in situations that aren't ideal," Silvestre told bettingexpert.com. "There are injuries and the team is unsettled.

"The first-team players are unavailable which makes trying to play football difficult. Things will get better when