Presenting on his BBC 606 show, Savage answered a question posed by a caller, who appeared as frustrated with United as the host following the team’s dismal loss to Newcastle on the weekend. 

Though Erik ten Hag’s men ‘only’ lost 1-0 to Eddie Howe’s side, it was a score line which flattered United, such was Newcastle’s dominance in the game.

They out-ran, out-fought and outplayed their United counterparts, who looked worlds away quality and desire wise.

United have endured far worse defeats on paper under Ten Hag, but this loss was as comprehensive as some of the maulings experienced last season. As demonstrated by the xG statistics below.

Newcastle (3.06) 1-0 (0.38) Man Utd

— The xG Philosophy (@xGPhilosophy) December 2, 2023

Compared to…

Liverpool (2.91) 7-0 (0.92) Man Utd

— The xG Philosophy (@xGPhilosophy) March 5, 2023

The collective feeling around the fanbase is one of growing anger at factions within a dressing room, who appear to be sharpening their knives as a vicious blame game begins.

“The problem is we keep defending these players, do any of these players right now make any of the top six right now?” the caller inquired of Savage. “You have to look at your competition,” they concluded.

Savage replied in a forlorn manner: “No, no the only one I’d say does is Luke Shaw, Luke Shaw.”

Shaw was a rare bright spot on Saturday, despite playing out of position at centre-back. Though the England defender gave the ball away, which ultimately led to Newcastle’s goal, there were myriad mistakes after this moment which were equally culpable.

Shaw’s performance was a generally positive one.

Alongside Harry Maguire, the pair were able to consistently repel Newcastle’s attacks, with little help from the players further forward. Unlike Maguire, however, Shaw was technically strong and brave enough to attempt to play out from the back.

As demonstrated in the video below, while Maguire defended well off the ball, his refusal to engage tactically when United were on the ball, helped contribute to Newcastle’s dominance.

Maguire was a monster defensively against NUFC, and we have many areas that must improve — but this game clearly shows how Maguire is not capable to play the way we want with the ball and his presence on the pitch is the biggest structural issue we have.

Here is why: pic.twitter.com/W6cDDYgTna

— The Swedish Rumble (@SwedishRumble) December 3, 2023

This critique was not true on the other side of United’s defence. Which is why Savage was correct to identify Shaw as the sole representative from the United team on Saturday who would make it into the Newcastle, or any other top six contender’s team at present.

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Manchester United slumped to a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday evening, pushing them down to seventh place in the Premier League standings.

It was another frustrating night for United, with Erik ten Hag’s team unable to place pressure on the Magpies’ defence for the majority of the match.

On the defensive end, United were not much better off, allowing the home side to take a massive 22 shots.

Still, Luke Shaw played his part to keep the scoreline limited to 1-0.

Playing at centre-back instead of his usual place at left-back, Shaw made two crucial blocks to keep the game goalless until the 55th minute.

The English defender made four clearances, the most of any player from either team except for teammate Harry Maguire who made six.

Shaw also showed decent marking and tracking ability, not being dribbled past throughout the entire match.

Still, he appeared sluggish at times, unable to keep up with Newcastle’s pacy attackers, as was exhibited by his zero tackles throughout the affair.

Despite a mixed defensive performance, Shaw was one of the few promising players in United’s build-up play, completing 39 of 42 passes for a 93% passing accuracy – the most of any player on the field.

His long balls were less effective, with just one of five crosses finding its target and Newcastle keeper Nick Pope easily catching his cross into the box from a free kick in the first half.

Shaw won two of his three aerial duels on the night while coming off second-best in just one ground duel.

While the full-back played his part in limiting Newcastle’s scoring opportunities while playing at centre-back, it’s clear that Shaw is not yet back to his best since returning from injury.

(Stats via Sofascore)

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Their next test against Newcastle United will be a great marker to understand where Erik ten Hag’s team currently lie. The last time the two sides met this season was in the Carabao Cup where Eddie Howe’s team emerged 3-0 victors.

United had lost at St James’ Park last season and their preparations for the game was far from ideal as the team’s flight to Newcastle upon Tyne was cancelled at the last moment.

Shaw as LCB

As per Manchester World, the Dutch manager is contemplating making a tactical change ahead of tonight’s encounter with Luke Shaw set to start as centre-back.

Since his return from injury, the Englishman has played in the Everton and Galatasaray matches in his familiar left-back position.

Ten Hag has utilised this ploy in the past, especially in the absence of Lisandro Martinez, who suffered a season-ending injury last term.

The Argentine is currently sidelined and United have played Victor Lindelof in that position and while the Swede does possess fantastic vision, a left-footed defender naturally has more angles to pass to.

Ten Hag’s preference for a left-footed defender is also partly responsible for Raphael Varane‘s reduction in game time with Ten Hag reluctant to pair the both of them.

Ploy worked wonders last season

Shaw’s passing ability is certainly underrated and he can effectively help the side play out from the back against a rampant Magpies at home. This will mean either Diogo Dalot or Sergio Reguilon plays as the left-back.

“Erik ten Hag is considering deploying Luke Shaw at centre-back for Saturday’s trip to Newcastle United, ManchesterWorld understands.

“With Martinez injured, Shaw is United’s only real left-footed option in that role and could line up alongside Maguire at the heart of defence against Newcastle, with Sergio Reguilon starting at left full-back.”

Last season, Shaw was excellent at the heart of defence and United fans will hope that the tactical shift ends up working as United prepare for the busy festive period.

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The tide may finally be turning for Manchester United and their lengthy injury list.

The MEN claims that United left back, Luke Shaw, could finally be available to play against Everton on Sunday, when the Premier League season resumes after the latest international break.

United have been decimated with fitness problems all season. The injuries continue to mount up with Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans and possibly Rasmus Hojlund all still on the sidelines for numerous weeks.

Youngsters Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo still haven’t been able to make an appearance for the first team this season due to ongoing physical issues. Mainoo is on his way back having played vital roles in youth football this season and recently made the bench against Manchester City.

Moreover, the injury curse seemed to have taken two more players during the international break when Marcus Rashford and Andre Onana both had to be subbed off during their respective national teams’ victories on Friday night. Luckily, both injuries seem to be minor and Rashford was already available again for England’s next game.

Therefore, Luke Shaw returning to action will put a smile on all United fans’ faces.

The MEN reports that “Aaron Wan-Bissaka has recovered from a bout of illness to face Everton this weekend and Ten Hag may even welcome back Luke Shaw.

“Sharp eyes will be on training to see if he is present.”

The English international has not played since the second game of the season in a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at the backend of August. The 28 year old suffered a muscular injury and had to exit the field of play.

With Tyrell Malacia already injured at the start of the season and Alvaro Fernandez’s loan to Granada already seemingly in the pipeline, Shaw’s injury led to a panic-stricken United sealing their own loan deal for Sergio Reguilon on deadline day.

Shaw has been an integral part of the Manchester United team over the last few seasons. Despite horrific injury problems and morale-sapping clashes with Jose Mourinho at the start of his United career, the left back has shown his class and importance to the first team in recent years.

Last season, the man from Kingston Upon Thames played 47 times for the Red Devils, scoring one goal. However, the English defender has only played more than 40 times in a season on three occasions in what is now his tenth campaign for the club. In fact, Shaw has only played 262 times for Man United in this spell.

For comparison, Bruno Fernandes has already played 202 times for the Red Devils in what is now only his fifth season at the club. Despite all of his problems, Harry Maguire has also managed to represent the team 186 times in five seasons to date as well. As Shaw is seemingly in the peak of his career, he will hope his injury problems are finally behind him.

Sergio Reguilon will also surely fall further down the pecking order at the club but will still need to play a vital role at least until Tyrell Malacia is back. Shaw will need to be eased back into action and a packed winter schedule can be gruelling to say the least. Rotation will be key if United are to avoid heaping more injury woe onto their beleaguered squad.

Fingers crossed then that Luke Shaw and more of the injured players can get back in time to help the team navigate an intense and crucial period of the season.

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Going into the break, the Red Devils’ injury list looked more like a team sheet missing only a goalkeeper, with 10 outfield players unavailable for selection.

However, by the time United kick off against Everton in their next match on November 26th, there is a chance that some of those names will be available for selection again.

This is, as we understand it, the likely return order for the walking wounded.

Everton, 26th November

Aaron Wan-Bissaka missed the Luton game with illness and so should be back.

Amad Diallo could be available. He was last spotted around a week ago in individual training on the grass, which should put team training around now, and full fitness potentially in time for Everton. However, match fitness is another issue and while he could find himself on the bench at Goodison, he is more likely to be eased in with a guest appearance in the U18’s match at Southampton the day before.

Galatasaray, 29th November

Rasmus Hojlund’s thigh strain is thought to be mild and a November return has been mooted. It’s a race against time for the Gala game, with Everton likely to be too soon.

Newcastle United, 2nd December

Tyrell Malacia could just pip Luke Shaw to win the race of the recovering left backs and be available for this one as he returns after summer surgery.

Chelsea, 6th December

Luke Shaw’s return has been touted for the end of November but to our knowledge, there have been no sightings of him back in training yet. This puts him at least 2 weeks away and we think the Chelsea match is realistically the first real chance for the England man.

Liverpool, 17th December

Jonny Evans – a club statement on 10th November said Evans will be out for “a few weeks” with a thigh strain, so this could mean a mid-December return.

Christian Eriksen – on November 13th we were told Eriksen’s knee injury would keep him out for around a month, so a return against Liverpool also looks possible at this stage for the Dane.

Nottingham Forest, 30th December or FA Cup 3rd round, 7th January

Ten Hag has said that Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez, United’s two longest term injuries, will not be back before Christmas. The turn of the year will hopefully see them back on the pitch.

Permanently out

Jadon Sancho is not injured but exiled following a row with Ten Hag and is expected to be sold or loaned out in January. Unless there is a major rapprochement, he is highly unlikely to play again for the club.

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Manchester United ensured they head into the latest international break on the back of a win after seeing off a stubborn Luton Town 1-0 at Old Trafford.

Victor Lindelof scored the winner in the second half in what was yet another underwhelming performance from Erik ten Hag’s men.

Talk of dressing room unrest have surfaced in recent weeks following poor results with suggestions that Ten Hag is losing control of his players.

However, Saturday’s win now means United have won four of their last five Premier League games and are, incredibly, only seven points away from leaders Manchester City.

As reported by The Daily Mail, a couple of United stars have shown their support towards the manager through their social media activity.

Luke Shaw and Alejandro Garnacho both ‘liked’ posts on X (formerly Twitter) which backed the manager’s tactics and approach.

Garnacho liked a post praising Ten Hag’s tactics which also called for patience on the back of United’s Champions League defeat against FC Copenhagen, last week.

Good to see Garnacho & Shaw liking tweets about Ten Hag not being the problem.

The media were leaking all this news that the players have fallen out with Ten Hag, and wanted him gone a few weeks ago.
(As they always do after we lose).

Good to see that’s not the case. #mufc pic.twitter.com/ZfpbVgvP5o

— Alice Abrahams (@AliceTalksFooty) November 12, 2023

Shaw’s “like” was related to a post which that blamed United’s poor form on their profligacy in front of goal rather than Ten Hag’s set up.

The post, from JZthekid, read: “Players can’t finish but it’s obviously Ten Hag’s fault right? I hate Manchester United fans.”

Shaw subsequently retracted his ‘like’ after it gained a lot of attention on the platform.

Saturday’s struggle was another example of United’s wastefulness in attack with Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford and Garnacho each missing very presentable chances.

However the three points were welcome and Ten Hag will hope the international break will allow certain players to recover from knocks in time for United’s trip to in-form Everton on the resumption of the Premier League.

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Mainoo was United’s breakout star of pre-season but received a blow when he picked up an injury during a friendly game vs. Real Madrid.

He returned to training during the October international break. During his presser before the Sheffield United match, Ten Hag told reporters that the Englishman was not fit enough to feature at Bramall Lane, although he was nearing a return to action.

Manchester Evening News have provided an update on Mainoo and indicated that he could be available for selection to face FC Copenhagen.

“Mainoo’s return to the United line-up is on the horizon after the young midfielder featured in training. There had been hope he would feature against the Blades but he was not a member of the squad,” the outlet says.

Another player expected to be included in the starting XI is Sergio Reguilon.

Unlike Mainoo, the Spaniard was a surprise exclusion from the matchday squad that travelled to face Paul Heckingbottom’s men on Saturday.

MEN states on Reguilon, “The issue with the on-loan Tottenham Hotspur defender is not thought to be serious and he should be making a return to the line-up shortly after a good start at Old Trafford.”

Against the Blades, Jonny Evans formed a solid centre-back partnership with Harry Maguire in the absence of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane who was on the bench, seemingly not yet fully fit after a brief period on the sidelines.

There were concerns when Evans – who has started well at United during his second spell – went down and had to be replaced by Varane.

However, it’s understood that he was only substituted as a precaution and it was nothing serious.

The North Ireland international should be good to play in the Champions League this week as United look to get out of their group and proceed to the next round of the competition.

Ten Hag will not be able to count on the services of Casemiro who is still in Brazil recovering from a physical setback sustained during the international break.

In any case, the 31-year-old was suspended after being red-carded against Galatasaray.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw remain long-term absentees.

Wan-Bissaka who suffered a hamstring injury could return in November, with Shaw a little bit further away from making a comeback.

As per MEN, there is a real possibility that Martinez has played his last game of the year, with January 2024 looking like a realistic return period for the World Cup winner.

With respect to Amad Diallo, “The young winger has been posting updates on his social media channels documenting his progress. He has been training which suggests a return may not be far off but a time frame has not been revealed yet.”

The post Kobbie Mainoo’s return to Man United line-up “on the horizon” ahead of FC Copenhagen clash appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Mainoo was undoubtedly United’s breakout star of pre-season before he sustained an unfortunate ankle injury during United’s clash against Real Madrid that has kept him out since late July.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person revealed that Mainoo played in a behind-closed-door friendly against Barnsley during the international break.

It was relayed that he “looked sharp.”

Ahead of his side’s game vs. Sheffield at Bramall Lane, Ten Hag was asked about Mainoo’s availability. He said, “He [Mainoo] is close. He’s already training with us. Not today, but I think next week he will have some minutes in the team so then he can catch up his game minutes. And so yeah, he’s really improving and ready to get back in the squad for games.”

The United boss gave further injury updates on the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Shaw.

He explained that Wan-Bissaka is not far from coming back into the team but Shaw is likely to be unavailable in the upcoming “block of games,” – possibly suggesting that the English left-back may not recover before the November international break.

Ten Hag added, “If you can’t use, every time, the same players, you can’t bring in the routines. Some routines slipped away in the last weeks and, yeah, that had a bad effect on the results.”

“I never use it as an excuse. We still have a good squad, we still have to win.”

On Casemiro, the Dutch coach mentioned that the Brazil international suffered a “small injury” while playing for the Selecao, but confirmed it’s nothing serious and the 31-year-old is on track to feature in the next Premier League clash against Manchester City at Old Trafford on October 29.

When put to task about whether he was unhappy Casemiro was selected in Brazil’s starting XI to face Uruguay while there were major doubts about his fitness, Ten Hag remarked, “You can’t be. That is the rule. He’s playing for a nation and he’s playing for us. And we all understand that Casemiro is a soldier and he is available for every game. So he will always give his best, for his nation and for Manchester United.”

Another matter that came to the fore during Ten Hag’s presser was the ongoing partial investment of Sir Jim Ratcliffe into the club.

Ten Hag pointed out that United co-chairman Joel Glazer has so far kept him in the dark about the ongoing process.

The post “He is close”: Erik ten Hag gives Kobbie Mainoo injury update and reveals return date appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

Injuries have not helped the manager, with the defence suffering the most. The Dutchman has never managed to field his first-choice back-four this season due to injury.

One of the areas most badly affected is at left-back with all three players currently sidelined. Tyrell Malacia was the first to suffer an injury, which has seen him miss the entire pre-season and all games so far.

United’s injury problems at LB

Luke Shaw, the first-choice left-back, is yet to play since the Tottenham Hotspur game and these two long-term injuries forced the club to dip into the market towards the closing stages of the summer transfer window.

A lot of candidates were scrutinised, but in the end, it was Spurs star Sergio Reguilon who arrived on deadline day but after a couple of promising displays, he suffered a hamstring injury as well.

He is not expected to be back before the international break, with right-back Diogo Dalot filling in at one point while currently, midfield Sofyan Amrabat has been forced to play there.

The club have suffered because of the Moroccan’s inability to play there, which was meant to happen against the big teams and the manager must be ruing his luck.

Interestingly, Ten Hag had the option of playing academy graduate Alvaro Fernandez in that position but he chose to send him out on loan to Granada, thinking he was not quite ready for the step-up.

Maybe a break clause in his contract would have allowed the Spaniard to return to Old Trafford during such an emergency. But United never included such a clause. The earliest United can recall him is in January.

“The Manchester Evening News revealed at the time that United’s ongoing defensive crisis was not going to alter their plans to loan him out given they were confident of securing a replacement on loan.

Alvaro Fernandez can be recalled, but not more January

“It is also understood United do not have an option to cut Fernandez’s spell in Spain short at this moment of time, though there is a break clause in the deal to recall him in January if required,” The Manchester Evening News reported.

Given Reguilon’s injury record, Ten Hag will either be hoping to see either of Malacia or Shaw regain full fitness and form, or he may be forced to recall the 20-year-old in January when the mid-season break clause becomes active.

Fernandez has enjoyed a decent spell in La Liga so far, featuring in three of the five league matches he has been eligible for since joining.

The 26-year-old Reguilon had missed 29 games for Atletico Madrid last season during his loan there and United should have realised the injury worries associated with Reguilon before signing him.

The post Alvaro Fernandez’s break clause only becomes active in January, major missed opportunity for Erik ten Hag appeared first on Man United News And Transfer News | The Peoples Person.

The Englishman has been banned from using all first-team facilities at Carrington including dining facilities meaning that the winger will have to eat alongside academy players.

This whole saga started after the manager called out the 23-year-old’s training performances for being below-par which led to his ouster from the matchday squad for the Arsenal game.

If Ten Hag had thought this public statement would fire up Sancho to train harder and prove him wrong, he was sorely mistaken.

Sancho-ETH tiff not going to end well

The former Borussia Dortmund man promptly uploaded a statement on social media without the club’s approval in which he accused the manager of making him a scapegoat.

To make matters worse, the player’s camp accused the Dutchman of offering preferential treatment to Antony which was the main reason behind Sancho’s reduced opportunities.

Ten Hag felt betrayed, especially considering the support he provided during the England international’s difficult period last season, and asked for an unconditional apology.

However, Sancho proceeded to throw all his toys out of the pram and refused to oblige, thus forcing Ten Hag to banish him from the first-team squad.

A January exit seems the most likely option at the moment as the player seems to be showing no signs of remorse towards his actions, as he has been spotted playing EA FC 24 late into the night and regularly coming late to practice.

As per The Daily Mirror, his England colleagues — Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw, and Harry Maguire have now stepped forward to try and convince the winger to change his stance and apologise to the manager.

England stars trying to change Sancho’s mind

Both Rashford and Maguire know that Ten Hag is a strict disciplinarian and he is unlikely to budge from his stance, especially since the player is at fault in this instance.

“Sancho’s United colleagues, including England trio Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, have all pleaded with him to swallow his pride and apologise to Ten Hag.

“They have stepped in and told Sancho there will only be one winner in his ongoing battle with Ten Hag and have advised the £73 million star to back down so he can start playing again.

“Jadon’s teammates have been telling him to back down and say sorry to the boss. They want him to apologise. They sympathise with him and the way he feels, but recognise a line was crossed with what he posted.”

Whether this can help end the feud remains to be seen. Fans are disappointed with Sancho for failing to do the bare minimum and kicking up a fuss instead of doing his job for which he is being handsomely paid.

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