Luke Shaw has taken to social media to answer his critics amid questions on his selection for the England squad but failure to appear for Manchester United in the closing weeks of the season. Shaw has been selected in Gareth Southgate’s preliminary squad for this summer’s Euros in Germany, but even the England manager has admitted that the defender is not fully fit heading into the tournament.
Luke Shaw has hit back at claims questioning his loyalty to Manchester United.
The left-back sustained a leg injury during United’s 2-1 win at Luton in February and is in a race against time to prove his fitness ahead of Euro 2024.
That did not stop Gareth Southgate from selecting the defender in his 33-player preliminary squad for this summer’s tournament in Germany.
United finished eighth in the Premier League table but were able to stun rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final, winning 2-1 to end a difficult season on a high.
In a defiant Instagram post, Shaw addressed the questions from some quarters on why he was unable to represent United in the closing weeks of the campaign, yet feature in the England squad.
“Happy for the boys to lift the trophy at the weekend and finish this season on a positive,” Shaw said.
“As much as it was the result I wanted, it was hard to watch from the stands.
“This has definitely been the most frustrating season for me, I have had setback after setback and have worked so hard to get back to fitness but things just haven’t gone my way.
“I pushed so hard to get back before the end of the season and the final but some things just aren’t meant to be.
“There’s nothing I want to do more than play and win with Manchester United, I don’t normally react to things I see on social media but there’s a lot of people questioning my loyalty to this club and asking how I am fit for England but not United.”
Shaw only made 15 appearances last season, and Southgate has stressed that the defender is a serious doubt to take part in the tournament despite being selected in his squad.
The England boss will be worried about his options at left-back, with Kieran Trippier looking the likeliest starter for the Three Lions’ tournament opener.
Shaw scored the opening goal in the Euro 2020 final, which England went on to lose on penalties after Leonardo Bonucci’s equaliser.
The defender gave an update on his fitness and stressed that he is working hard to be ready for a huge summer with England.
“The reality is I am not 100% fit for either right now but I am doing everything I can and constantly working to be,” he added.
“I have been at this club for 10 years through highs and lows and for anyone to question my loyalty is obviously frustrating.”
“I appreciate I haven’t updated you all with my injuries and where I’m at with my recovery but equally the most important thing to me is that we’re supporting the team playing.
“My biggest focus right now is being fit and then whatever happens this summer I will be ready. Thank you for your patience.”