Man United are handed ANOTHER defensive blow as Luke Shaw is forced off at half-time against Aston Villa… but Erik ten Hag insists it was a ‘precautionary’ move to protect England star

Luke Shaw‘s withdrawal at half-time in the win at Aston Villa was a ‘precautionary’ move, revealed boss Erik ten Hag. 

There was concern for the England full-back given he has had numerous issues with injury in recent seasons. 

United fans quickly became concerned that their first choice left back is facing another spell on the sidelines, but Ten Hag was quick to allay fears in his post-match press conference following a 2-1 win at Villa. 

‘Precaution,’ Ten Hag told Sky Sports. 

‘He had some complaints and we can’t take any risks with him because he’s had any injuries in the past. 

There is concern for Luke Shaw after he was taken off at half-time away against Aston Villa

Lisandro Martinez is facing eight weeks sidelined with medial collateral ligament damage

‘We’ll have to see how it goes in the next few days. It’s not an advantage to lose him, everyone knows my philosophy to have left-footers at left centre back and left back. We have to make compromises and it is not to our advantage.’ 

Victor Lindelof, a centre back tasked to cover at left back, came on to replace him, with United looking to hold on to a 1-0 lead after Rasmus Hojlund‘s first half strike. 

United have made strides forward in recent weeks but injuries now look to be creeping back in just as Ten Hag’s side build up some momentum.

News of Shaw’s half-time withdrawal comes just a week on from Lisandro Martinez damaging the medial ligament in his right knee against West Ham.

Shaw (right) had a complaint at half-time and Erik ten Hag said they cannot take risks with him

The Argentine centre back, who plays so well alongside Shaw, buckled under a challenge from Vladimir Coufal in the second half of United’s 3-0 win at Old Trafford.

Martinez initially played on after treatment but only lasted another couple of minutes before he signalled to the bench to be taken off.

United confirmed last Monday that he will be out of action for at least eight weeks, although he will not require surgery. 

Ten Hag’s side struggled once Shaw went off, with Villa equalising through Douglas Luiz early in the second half, before substitute Scott McTominay scored a late win to rescue three points for United.