Luke Shaw has been moonlighting as a centre-back since his return from the World Cup.

Luke Shaw was a formidible centre-back during Manchester United’s 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest. (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Due to injuries, illness and the absence of Lisandro Martinez thanks to some very well-deserved World Cup celebrations, Erik ten Hag decided to deploy Luke Shaw as a centre-back in Manchester United’s first two games since the recommencement of the Premier League season.

After his performance against Nottingham Forest, Ten Hag commented how it looked like Shaw had been playing the position all his life and therefore he retained his spot when Martinez was unavailable for the club’s trip to Wolves.

Many fans asked why this was the case, but Ten Hag has already explained why a player like Shaw needs to be at centre-back on the left-hand side of the defence in the past.

It’s because he is left-footed and besides Martinez, all of United’s other options which include Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are all right-footed.

He told United’s internal media earlier in the season: “Because the left-footed are better orientated on the left side, in possession you then have better angles.”

This would explain why he was so willing to spend whatever was needed to bring Martinez in and he reiterated the same sentiments when United signed the player: “I analysed United last year in the left part of the defence. He [Lisandro Martinez] is left-footed and that is an advantage in possession and defending. And he also brings a South American spirit.”

This would also explain why during pre-season, Alex Telles was played at left centre-back in order for the team to get used to the sorts of passes a defender passing with that foot would make during the rest of the season.

Given that Martinez is suspended for United’s fixture against Barcelona in the Champions League and there are still a lot of fixtures left to play, this won’t be the last time we see Shaw in the centre-back role.

Source: dailylifeworld.com