Manchester United versatility man Daley Blind admits he and his teammates struggled to focus on their Champions League opener against PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday night following the horrific injury to Luke Shaw.
The England international was stretchered off early in the first-half at the Philips Stadion after a strong challenge from defender Hector Moreno and United worst fears were confirmed immediately after the game as it was revealed the left-back had suffered a double fracture of the leg.
After such a promising start to the new season, Shaw is likely to miss the majority of the campaign and may not figure in Roy Hodgson’s plans for his Euro 2016 squad at next summer’s major international tournament.
The injury appeared to have distracted a number of United players from the task at hand as they lost the lead given to them by PSV old boy Memphis Depay as Moreno and Luciano Narsingh handed the hosts all three points.
Speaking to the media after the game in his home country, Blind revealed the squad were deeply upset with Shaw’s injury but refused to use it as an excuse for defeat:
“It’s something you may not actually be influenced by at that time,” the Dutchman said [via Mirror Sport].
“But you can be unaware, perhaps in your head, that you subconsciously sympathize with him, but it’s a defeat, and saying this should not pass the buck. It’s a massive blow if such person incurs an injury.”
“We are a strong team unit so it cuts into you. Maybe it gets into your heads, but you have to let it pass.”
“We had enough chances, but failed to finish it,” Blind added.
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