Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has hit out at criticism after Gareth Southgate named him in his preliminary England training group for Euro 2024. Shaw missed most of the 2023/24 season through relentless injuries, but sceptics questioned the authenticity of his issues after his inclusion in the initial squad for this summer’s tournament.

The 28-year-old has suffered one of the most injury-hit seasons of his career, managing just 15 appearances in all competitions, including 12 in the Premier League.

Wayne Rooney fuelled criticism of United’s injured stars in a poor campaign decimated by absences, by accusing some of feigning their problems to stay out of the spotlight.

But Shaw has taken to social media to fire back at those criticising his injury issues, insisting he remains unavailable and admitting he might not be fit in time to feature for England.

“Happy for the boys to lift the trophy at the weekend and finish this season on a positive. As much as it was the result I wanted, it was hard to watch from the stands,” Shaw wrote on Instagram.

“This has definitely been the most frustrating season for me. I have had set-back after set-back and have worked so hard to get back to fitness but things just haven’t gone my way.

“I pushed so hard to get back before the end of the season and the final but some things just aren’t meant to be. There’s nothing I want to do more than play and win with @manchesterunited.

“I don’t normally react to things I see on social media, but there’s a lot of people questioning my loyalty to this club and asking how I am fit for England but not United.

“The reality is I am not 100 per cent fit for either right now but I am doing everything I can and constantly working to be.

“I have been at this club for 10 years through highs and lows, and for anyone to question my loyalty is obviously frustrating.

“I appreciate I haven’t updated you all with my injuries and where I’m at with my recovery, but equally, the most important thing to me is that we’re supporting the team playing.

“My biggest focus right now is being fit, and then whatever happens this summer, I will be ready. Thank you for your patience.”

United will reportedly sign a left-back in the summer after the position became Erik ten Hag’s most problematic this term.

Tyrell Malacia missed the entire campaign through injury, leaving the Red Devils without a recognised left-back for prolonged periods.

Victor Lindelof, Sofyan Amrabat, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot all contributed as cover, but United will look to resolve the issue in the coming months.