Why Luke Shaw is missing for Manchester United vs Tottenham

Erik ten Hag has confirmed Luke Shaw's absence from the Manchester United squad to play Tottenham Hotspur was a 'last minute' decision.

Shaw picked up an injury in the defeat to West Ham before Christmas and he's been absent since. He was in contention to make the squad to face Tottenham but has been left out again.

Casemiro and Martinez have been longer-term absentees and they have both made their highly anticipated return to the matchday squad by being named on the bench.

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Ten Hag has made just one change from the team that defeated Wigan in the FA Cup earlier in the week, with Christian Eriksen replacing Scott McTominay in the starting side.

That means Eriksen will start alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes in midfield. Ten Hag was asked about his team selection ahead of kick-off and he told MUTV: "They play with a high line and we have seen the qualities from Christian Eriksen against Villa, what he can do for the team, to see the pass and give the pass.

"It's good that players are returning [Casemiro and Martinez] and we also hoped to have Luke Shaw today, but he dropped out at the last minute. But it doesn't matter, at the end of the day, no matter who is coming in, we have to win.

"It could be [an exciting game], so we have to defend very well to avoid conceding chances, but I think when we do attacking transitions well, in our possession game, we can take some joy from it."

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