• Premier League

It's time for Manchester United's players to step up - Shaw

ESPN staff
November 20, 2014
Angel Di Maria headlines Manchester United's injury concerns ahead of Saturday's clash with Arsenal

Luke Shaw has told Manchester United's fringe players that they have a great chance to prove their point to manager Louis van Gaal when his injury-hit squad visit Arsenal on Saturday.

Left-back Shaw suffered a minor groin problem in England's 3-1 win over Scotland on Tuesday but is expected to be fit for the clash at the Emirates.

But United's injury problems have been exacerbated over the international break with Daley Blind sidelined by a knee problem, David de Gea suffering a dislocated finger and both Michael Carrick and Angel Di Maria doubts, though the Argentine has said he is optimistic he will be fit.

Hodgson's Southgate pledge

Luke Shaw has played 23 times for England from U16 through to the senior squad © PA Photos
  • England manager Roy Hodgson will not stand in Gareth Southgate's way if he wants to select the likes of Luke Shaw, Raheem Sterling and Jack Wilshere for the European Under-21 Championship next summer.
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And the former Premier League champions are waiting to discover if Phil Jones, Jonny Evans, Rafael and Radamel Falcao will be ready to return, although Van Gaal has said he would be reluctant to thrust any into the starting 11 after their time on the sidelines.

So there could be opportunities for players such as goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard, defender Tyler Blackett and midfielders Darren Fletcher and Ander Herrera, who have struggled to get into the starting 11 recently.

"I think it's time for people to step up," Shaw said. "The players who are not getting game time, who are frustrated on the bench, can come in for a massive game like Arsenal that everyone will want to play in.

"We know we've picked up a lot of injuries, especially in defence, where it's always changing each time. We've obviously picked up another injury with Daley Blind, but we've got to deal with that and try to get around this week and go firing into the Arsenal game.

"Everyone will be working hard and focusing on this weekend and come Saturday we'll be ready to go."

Centre-back Chris Smalling, who has not played for United since being sent off in the Manchester derby, added: "It is not easy. I have been out with injuries, too, and a lot of the defenders have. It's not easy and it's hard to pick up momentum, but, hopefully, we can get as many bodies back and kick on.

"It's one of those where we can't turn a corner without picking up an injury. But, hopefully, we'll have a strong team for Saturday."

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