Manchester United's only ever-present Premier League ironman surprises everyone! The new longevity fanatic, three key factors turning the fragile player into a stronger one

Looking at this season’s Premier League appearance and playing time stats for Manchester United players, it’s astonishing to see Luke Shaw leading in both categories! The 30-year-old "England Carlos" is the only Red Devil to have played every minute of all 23 league games, ahead of Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Elanga (22 games), Casemiro (21 games), and Diogo Dalot (21 games), with Bruno only featuring in 20 matches; moreover, Shaw’s 2006 minutes played far surpass the second-place Bruno’s 1719 minutes.

Furthermore, Luke Shaw has started every Premier League game this season, with 23 consecutive starts marking his personal best at Manchester United. Data shows Shaw averages 87 minutes per start this season, and except for one match, he has played over 80 minutes in every other start. Out of those 23 starts, he completed the full 90 minutes 15 times.

In contrast, combining the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons, Shaw only played 1771 minutes. Is this still the “fragile” Luke Shaw fans used to worry would go down clutching his leg at any moment? But by focusing on three factors, it’s easier to understand why this once delicate English full-back has become so resilient. Some fans jokingly say Shaw has inherited Ashley Young’s legacy, becoming the new longevity fanatic.

First, Shaw’s contract runs until 2027, and he’s approaching a contract year; second, the 2026 World Cup in North America is scheduled for this summer, and Shaw has not been called up to the England squad for a long time; third, Manchester United is competing only in a single competition this season, with a total of 40 matches, meaning almost one game per week.

Additionally, under Ruben Amorim’s coaching, Shaw has been playing as a left center-back, which requires less running than the left-back position. All these factors help Shaw maintain ample energy and focused concentration for Manchester United’s matches. Thus, the previously fragile player has now become the team’s most enduring warrior.

Last March, after discussions with Manchester United, Shaw’s trip to Qatar reportedly helped improve his injury issues. He underwent two weeks of treatment at the Aspire Academy in Doha, accompanied by the club’s physiotherapist and a senior staff member. The medical team conducted a thorough examination, focusing especially on his right leg muscles—the same leg that suffered a double fracture ten years ago. Experts aimed to identify the root cause and strengthen it to match the left leg’s condition. Professional therapy combined with warm weather allowed Shaw to fully recover by the preseason and maintain good form throughout the season.

However, upcoming matches will bring new challenges for Shaw. With Elanga injured, he loses a major protective presence on the flank and faces increased defensive pressure. In Carrick’s 4-2-3-1 system, Shaw returns to left-back, where both attacking and defensive demands are higher. Physical fitness will be the first obstacle Shaw must overcome.

If Manchester United return to European competition and Shaw regains his place in the England squad, next season’s challenge will be even tougher. A congested fixture list increases the risk of injury, which has been a key reason for Shaw’s past problems.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS team also face a decision whether to renew the contract of this England veteran over thirty. Sir Jim warned Shaw before the 2024 European Championship final not to strain his hamstring again, yet Shaw suffered a long-term injury during the subsequent Manchester United season!

Having joined in 2014, Shaw is now the most senior player in the squad, with a contract expiring in 2027 and no one-year extension option for the club. His weekly wage is £195,000. Preferring younger players, Sir Jim has already decided to let another high-earning veteran, Casemiro, leave when his contract ends. Whether Shaw can change his fate may depend on his performance next season. The English full-back once joked about Casemiro: “For defenders like us, he makes us feel secure. He’s excellent at winning back possession and tackling. We joke that he deliberately passes to opponents just to steal the ball back and boost his stats.”

It seems Shaw has learned some of Casemiro’s professional attitude, as this season he often returns early to Carrington. According to "Jingjiwang," he always arrives before 8:30 AM to prepare extra training, even going to Carrington for additional sessions on rest days.

Shaw naturally hopes to be recalled to the England national team to compete in the World Cup. However, his desire to represent the "Three Lions" does not always sit well with Manchester United fans, who prefer him to focus on maintaining his fitness and performing well for the club. Even club legend Peter Schmeichel criticized him: “Luke Shaw didn’t play for Manchester United, then went to the Euros and got injured. He’s a Manchester United player, we pay his wages, so he should concentrate on United, not the national team.”