Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has candidly reflected on his injury-ridden 2024/25 campaign, revealing the emotional toll it took—not just on his fitness, but on his sense of responsibility to then-manager Erik ten Hag. In a heartfelt interview, Shaw admitted he felt as though he let the Dutch coach down during a difficult season that ultimately saw Ten Hag dismissed from the club.
Shaw Admits to Feeling He “Failed” Ten Hag
In a revealing interview with The Athletic, Luke Shaw didn’t hold back when discussing the emotional aftermath of his injuries. He confessed to harboring feelings of guilt over not being able to contribute during a critical stretch of Manchester United’s season—particularly as pressure mounted on Erik ten Hag, who was relieved of his duties before the Christmas break and later replaced by Ruben Amorim.
“I felt like I failed Erik,” Shaw admitted. “I wasn’t there for him when it mattered most, and it didn’t sit well with me. I missed so much of the season, and it really felt like I had let down not just him, but the entire team and staff.”
A Season to Forget: Just 12 Appearances in 2024/25
Shaw’s 2024/25 season was marred by persistent injury setbacks, limiting him to just 12 appearances across all competitions. The left-back, who has battled fitness issues in the past, described this particular stretch as uniquely frustrating and mentally draining.
“I’ve had injuries before, but this was something different,” Shaw explained. “It started with a medical issue, something I’d never dealt with. The rehabilitation process was unfamiliar, and every time I tried to get back, something else would happen.”
His prolonged absence left a noticeable void in United’s back line and only added to the club’s turbulent form, culminating in a managerial change midway through the season.
Looking Ahead: A Fresh Start in 2025/26
Now focused on the future, Shaw is eager to turn the page. With a full preseason under his belt and his health finally on the mend, he’s determined to regain top form and play a key role under Ruben Amorim.
“Last season is definitely one I want to leave behind,” he said. “It was a tough chapter, but I’m using that experience to fuel my motivation moving forward.”
