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

Erik ten Hag lost another of his first choice defenders when Luke Shaw was forced off at half-time against Aston Villa. 

While the nature of Shaw’s problem is yet to be disclosed, the left back has had numerous issues with injury in recent seasons and United fans quickly became concerned that their first choice left back is facing another spell on the sidelines. 

Victor Lindelof, a centre back being 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.

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

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.

The Argentine 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 Martinez will be out of action for at least eight weeks, although he will not require surgery. 

United struggled once Shaw went off, with Villa equalising through Douglas Luiz early in the second half.