Luke Shaw to have a scan on long-standing groin injury

Luke Shaw is facing the prospect of being sidelined for the next two or three weeks with a possible groin injury, which is said to be a long-standing issue. The Manchester United defender has started in all five games in the Premier League thus far, but came under criticism from Jose Mourinho after his latest performance during their 3-1 loss against Watford.

According to BBC Sport, the left-back is expected to undergo a scan to inspect the severity of the injury on Tuesday (20 September). Shaw was rested for United's Europa League clash against Feyenoord with a minor hamstring issue, but recovered sufficiently to play 85 minutes against Watford.

The 23-year-old defender, who returned from a long-term injury that saw him miss the better part of last season, was impressive in the opening three games of the campaign. The Portuguese manager, however, has laid the blame on the defender for two goals conceded during their loss against Manchester City and more recently against Watford on Sunday (18 September).

The Daily Telegraph reports that the United defender could be sidelined for two to three weeks with the groin injury. Shaw's absence will be a big blow to the 20-time English champions as they do not have a readymade replacement to fill in at left-back. Marcos Rojo is an option, while centre-back regular Daley Blind can also deputise in the full back position. This will require the manager to reshuffle his backline and bring in Chris Smalling as Eric Bailly's partner.

Marouane Fellaini, meanwhile, has admitted the mood in the camp is low following three back-to-back defeats, but has called on his team to respond strongly in their next match. United will travel to the Sixfields Stadium to take on Northampton in the third round of the League Cup on Wednesday (21 September).

"Yes it [the mood] is low but we are men and we must stand up together and show ourselves. To lose was a tough moment but we must be ready to go again on Wednesday," Fellaini said, as quoted on United's official site.

"We need to focus. At the moment heads are down but, as I said, we must stand together and fight and show that we are confident," he added.