"Please don't pull your hamstring" - Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe sends hilarious message to Luke Shaw
Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has sent a hilarious message to Red Devils' full-back Luke Shaw ahead of England's Euro 2024 final clash against Spain today (July 14). The Three Lions will have a massive chance to win their first-ever major trophy since the World Cup in 1966, after losing Euro 2020 final to Italy.
They will have the chance to right those wrongs when they line up at the Olympiastadion Berlin today. There's a good chance that they will have Luke Shaw, who has been dealing with injuries, in the starting lineup to help them win the trophy.
This has led to Sir Jim Ratcliffe's hilarious message, as part of a list of celebrities wishing the Three Lions good luck when they face Spain. The Manchester United co-owner said, towards the end (via BBC):
"Luke [Shaw], please don't pull your hamstring again."
Despite being injured for the vast majority of last season, the left-back was included in England's Euro squad by Gareth Southgate. He missed 16 games for Manchester United between August and November 2023, before missing another 18 games between February and June.
Although he was included in their squad, he joined them without being fully fit, and he did not play their first four games. However, he has made his first Euro appearance in the quarter-finals against Switzerland, also coming on as a substitute in the semis against the Netherlands.
Luke Shaw will be hoping he can be a part of the final and potentially lift the trophy with England.
Manchester United defender Luke Shaw questions criticism of Gareth Southgate
England head coach Gareth Southgate has come under regular criticism for the Three Lions' sub-par performances at Euro 2024. Notably, they have scored only seven goals in six games, with two bore draws in the group stage.
However, Luke Shaw does not think the criticism their head coach has faced is warranted. The Manchester United defender revealed his surprise at the situation, stating (via Independent):
"To be honest, I don’t really understand the criticism. I think what he’s done for the country, for us as players as well. I think he’s really took us to the next level. I think no manager has really been as successful as him as what he’s done recently.
"It’s now another semi-final, and for me and us as players we love him. I think he’s really good. He’s exactly what we need. For us, he always puts the players first and for that we’re able to go out on the pitch and try to be at our best."
Luke Shaw will be hoping the squad can rally around Southgate and potentially make him the next manager after Sir Alf to win a major trophy with England.