Manchester United defeated Everton 4-0 in the Premier League yesterday but suffered a massive setback in defence.
Lisandro Martinez picked up his fifth yellow card of the season, earning him an automatic one-game suspension.
Ruben Amorim faces his first big test on Wednesday as United travel to the Emirates Stadium to battle with Arsenal.
Martinez’s ban could not have come at a worse time, as he was beginning to look like the ideal fit for the left centre-back role in Amorim’s three-man defence.
The £42 million-rated star has started two of the three games under the Portuguese coach in that position, with the only match he missed (against Ipswich Town) due to injury.
Jonny Evans started against the Tractor Boys but has missed the last two games due to injury.
We believe Luke Shaw could get his first start in over nine months on Wednesday.
Amorim has deployed Shaw in the same role during all three of his substitute appearances for United.
The England international played for around 30 minutes in each match, gradually building up his fitness.
Shaw has the technical ability to thrive in the 3-4-3 system. The United manager wants to play out from the back and keep possession of the ball.
The 29-year-old possesses an eye for line-breaking passes, a quality that mirrors one of Martinez’s standout attributes.
Amorim has already spoken highly of the full-back who was described as ‘fabulous‘ by Erik ten Hag.
There are still concerns about whether Shaw can complete the full 90 minutes.
If he starts against the Gunners, Amorim will likely look to substitute him around the hour mark.
Tyrell Malacia could be called upon from the bench, although his strengths are better suited to the wing-back position rather than a central defensive role.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.