Erik ten Hag points at Manchester United left-back ‘solutions’ and dismisses transfer talk after Luke Shaw bombshell

Manchester United are fearful that Luke Shaw’s injury is worse than was initially thought and he could face months out.

It was reported this week that Shaw had suffered a muscular injury in training and was facing a spell on the sidelines.

Shaw is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelinesGetty

United initially thought the left-back was facing several weeks out of action but Erik ten Hag has confirmed that it could be worse.

While giving an update on Shaw and Mason Mount, who is also injured, the Dutchman said: “We can’t do that [put a timescale], it’s personal these days.

“They will be for some period absent where Luke will be longer than Mason [Mount]. Luke will be longer and Mason I think.”

The Manchester Evening News has reported that the England international is now facing up to two months injured and could miss some crucial fixtures.

United face Arsenal and Brighton next week, two games Shaw was already expected to miss, as well as international duty with England.

But the defender could not miss further games against Manchester City and Chelsea, as well as Champions League group stage matches.

Despite United no longer having a senior left-back, Ten Hag insisted he would not dip into the transfer market for a replacement.

“We definitely have solutions in our squad to cope. We thought before the season about the scenario, that it could happen,” he said.

Shaw’s injury could force United into signing a replacement

Ten Hag has confirmed Shaw is facing a longer spell out than initially thoughtGetty

“You hope to avoid these scenarios, that is also clear, but if it happens you have to be ready for it. We are ready to deal with it.”

United’s back-up left-back Tyrell Malacia has been ruled out with an unspecified injury and there is no timeline on his return.

And Brandon Williams was loaned to Ipswich this week, leaving the Red Devils down to the bare bones.

Alvaro Fernandez is the only option at the moment, who had a fruitful spell on loan at Preston last season.

But there is a strong chance that the youngster will leave this summer on loan to Granada in his native Spain.

Diogo Dalot could fill in for the time being and has played left-back before under Ten Hag, with a Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest coming this weekend.

United have already nearly spent £200million on transfers this summer on Mount, Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana while Jonny Evans is set to sign a one-year deal.

There are already problems arising at Old Trafford after a less-than-impressive start to the season, despite beating Wolves on the opening day.

A torrid display against Tottenham where they lost 2-0 has already sucked out much of the optimism at the club.