OPINIONErik ten Hag must start favourite Manchester United players for the first time in four months.

Three months after a stunning FA Cup victory, Man Utd return to Wembley to face Man City in the Community Shield.How good will it be to see Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez starting together on Saturday?The pair last started together when Manchester United played West Ham at Old Trafford on February 4, a game that was marred by Martinez picking up another injury.He sustained an injury to the medial collateral ligament in his knee and returned for the final home game of the league season,but Shaw was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign two weeks after the West Ham victory when suffering an injury against Luton Town.

Both Martinez and Shaw missed large parts of last season and their respective absences at different periods were undoubtedly a factor in the team’s spectacular regression.They are left-footed players who are crucial in build-up play.We have missed him [in] every game because he brings a composure and calmness to the team and, at the same time, a winning attitude,” Ten Hag remarked of Martinez’s absence last season.He can articulate this well, transfer it to the team, and add to our performance.” He said, “It’s not an advantage. Everyone understands my mentality of having Licha Martinez and Luke Shaw, both left-footed [defenders].Also, Tyrell Malacia has not been available. So, during the season, we will have to make sacrifices. And that is not to our favor.But we made it today, and hopefully Luke will be okay.

” If you asked Ten Hag which two players he would not want to be without for an extended length of time due to injuries throughout a season, he would most likely choose Martinez and Shaw.

Martinez was superb in his first season after joining from Ajax, setting the tone in the locker room and on the field, and his passing skill makes him a standout choice.

Shaw is also one of Europe’s top left-backs when he’s fit and at his peak, but he failed to retain a clean bill of health in 2023/24.

The new season is a blank slate, and Martinez and Shaw must remain fit.

They are two of Ten Hag’s favourite players, and their season should begin on Saturday at Wembley Stadium, when United face Manchester City in the Community Shield.

When queried about his ailments at the beginning of June, Shaw replied,

“No one knows the circumstances, what’s been going on. Obviously, many have seen that there was a setback, but I was actually close to returning to team training.

I believe it was the day before. “I believe I pushed too hard to make it back for the games and the final.

I returned too quickly, resulting in another hamstring injury (grade 2c). T

hat was three weeks before the final, and they indicated it was a six-week injury, so it’s evident why there was a setback.

“I believe people have been puzzled about what has transpired because nothing has been mentioned.

That is why I created my post. I had a few people approach me and say, ‘How can you not be fit for United but (can) for England?’

“But given the circumstances, I pushed myself to do everything possible to be ready for United, and that has been my focus throughout the season.

It’s been disappointing for me, but I’m determined to do everything I can for United.

“it’s my club, and I’ve been there for a long time, but it wasn’t always the case, so it was difficult to accept in recent weeks.

But I’m here now, and I’m not there yet; I still have a long way to go, but I’m doing everything I can to make it happen.”

There is evidence that Shaw was possibly mistreated by the medical staff last season.

That cannot happen again since United’s prospects this season may depend on whether the club’s longest-serving player and Martinez remain fit and injury-free, given their importance to the team.

If Martinez and Shaw are named to the starting lineup against City in the Community Shield on Saturday, United fans will be ecstatic.Seeing Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez back together in the starting lineup for Manchester United against Manchester City in the Community Shield would indeed be a significant boost for the team and its fans. Their partnership was vital to United’s defensive stability last season, and their respective injuries undoubtedly impacted the team’s performance.

Martinez, with his aggressive yet composed defending and excellent ball distribution, brought a sense of security and confidence to the backline. Shaw, when fit, is among the best left-backs in Europe, offering not only solid defensive contributions but also crucial support in the build-up play. Together, they form a formidable left-sided defensive duo that provides balance, resilience, and creativity.

Their absences last season were felt deeply, particularly during key matches where United struggled without their presence. With both players fit and ready to start the new season, their return could signal a more robust and cohesive defense, something that will be crucial if United are to challenge for top honors this year.

Given their importance to Erik ten Hag’s system, seeing them start together at Wembley would not only lift the team’s defensive performance but also give a psychological boost to the squad and the fans. Their fitness will be key to United’s success this season, so having them back in action is a very positive sign as the new campaign kicks off.