Manchester United defender Luke Shaw confirms private conversation with Erik ten Hag

Luke Shaw has confirmed he's been in contact with Manchester United and Erik ten Hag over his fitness.

Shaw last played for United on February 18 when he sustained a muscle injury against Luton Town and he wasn't seen again for the remainder of the season due to that issue.

Despite that, Shaw was the only left-back named in England's squad for Euro 2024 in Germany and he made his first appearance in that tournament against Switzerland on Saturday.

Shaw was introduced to the game as a substitute in the 78th minute and England scored an equaliser shortly after that, which preceded a victory in the penalty shootout.

ALSO READ: United reward young defender with first professional contract

ALSO READ: New United coaches Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake arrive

England progressed to the semi-finals of the Euros thanks to that win over Switzerland and Shaw is in contention to start against the Netherlands on Wednesday night.

United's longest-serving player spoke at an England press conference on Monday afternoon and he answered a range of questions, including on his fitness situation and Ten Hag.

"The last four months have been really tough," said Shaw. "I think at the start I was expected to come back a lot sooner, but I went through quite a few setbacks.

"I'm here now and it was really nice to get on [against Switzerland] the other night. I've been itching to get some minutes and it's been a long time, so I was pleased to get back on the pitch.

"I think I am fit enough to start, but obviously that's solely down to Gareth's [Southgate] decision on what he does, but I feel fit and ready to go."

Shaw added about Ten Hag: "I think firstly, it wasn't really a surprise [Ten Hag staying]. He was always going to sign. I think everybody is very pleased.

"When you look at the last two years, he had a trophy in each season. There's been a bit of success, and I definitely think there's more to come, and like I said, I think everybody is pleased with him staying.

"I've spoken to him a couple of times and the medical staff at United. We've been very close during this camp obviously because of what has gone on. We've touched base quite a lot, to be honest, and they're in touch with England too."

A Dutch reporter asked Shaw whether he'd spoken to Ten Hag about the game and he laughed: "No he didn't, but he sent me a cheeky message about the game. I'm not saying what it was."

He continued: "I don't want to talk too much about United, but I definitely think we're in the right place now, definitely with the boss signing a new contract and with the new owners.

"Things are looking really positive and there's a big buzz around the place and I can definitely now see things getting much better than they have been."