Was Rooney right about the taped injuries? Luke Shaw goes to EURO 2024

Wayne Rooney, the former Manchester United player and club legend, hit back at Erik ten Hag’s charges in early May for feigning injury. One might knock one’s forehead about it, but what if there is something to it? Luke Shaw, for example, played his last minutes in February, yet he is not missing from England’s nomination for the Euros.

Rooney on injuries

Rooney hasn’t experienced many injuries in his career, at least the long-term ones that have eluded him. Manchester United, on the other hand, have struggled with injuries all season. Lisandro Martínez, Raphael Varane or Mason Mount were out for the vast majority of the season.

“There are good players in the team but they are playing below their capabilities. Look at the injuries the players are suffering from, some can play”, mentions the former top scorer in the history of the English national team. Rooney is mainly attacking the muscle injuries suffered by the likes of Mount, Shaw or Varane, as they are unpredictable and if a player doesn’t feel 100% fit, he won’t jump into the game.

“When the club can’t do so much, players stay out a bit longer. Then they will come back for the FA Cup final and be ready for the upcoming Euros. In the season the players didn’t have enough confidence so they didn’t rush to be fit as soon as possible,” Rooney explained.

Whether the players are faking the injury or not, only they know. No one can put themselves in their shoes. But Rooney has come up with an interesting idea that no one has expressed before him, and there may be something to it.

Shaw in England’s nomination

The England defender played his last game in Manchester United colours on February 18 and was substituted after the opening half. He has since been on the injured list due to a calf muscle. Moreover, at the moment there is no indication that he will return to the line-up for the upcoming FA Cup final.

In addition, he has played just 1,180 minutes in 15 starts all season. Shaw hasn’t featured in nearly two thirds of the games due to injuries, a truly dismal statistic. What is striking, though? Gareth Southgate has included the defender in his EURO nomination.

Shaw probably just confirms Rooney’s words about United players faking injuries and really just trying to be as prepared as possible for the European Championships, which are fast approaching. So this Hag should think about whether he wants to keep such players at the club.

Source: Telegraph, SkySports