Manchester United defender Luke Shaw was given a start by Ruben Amorim against rivals Manchester City, but it's a decision he might look back on and regret.
Shaw has struggled over the last few years at Old Trafford, partly down to injuries which have hampered his ability to even get on the pitch at times. When he's played, Shaw hasn't looked like the same player he once was when he first arrived at the club from Southampton, and he's showing signs of rapidly declining.
In Amorim's system, Shaw has been mostly deployed as a left-sided centre-back, rather than at wing-back where he was once more suited at a younger age. The English defender doesn't have the legs to get up and down the touchline like he used to, but his performances in a more central role are beginning to cost the Red Devils crucially.
Amorim's Persistence With Shaw at Man Utd a Mistake
Luke Shaw in action for Manchester United
Shaw has now started all four of Manchester United's Premier League games this season, and Amorim's persistence with him is beginning to cost them. There's an argument to suggest Shaw could have done better with multiple goals against Man City, showing a lack of strength and smart positioning, with Roy Keane even suggesting that he 'gave up' at the Etihad Stadium, speaking live on Sky Sports at half-time.
Shaw isn't being utilised to a lack of options, so there is little excuse for Amorim to continue utilising him in the left centre-back position. Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven, and Tyler Fredricson were all on the bench against Man City, while Noussair Mazraoui has also been used in that position at times in his United career.
Lisandro Martinez appears to be edging closer to a return, which would be a huge boost for United, and Amorim needs to immediately bring him into the starting XI. If not, Shaw's performances could cost Amorim his job, as he's clearly not at the level required after so many injuries throughout his career.
Shaw's performance, described as 'horrific', wasn't bad enough for Amorim to consider taking him off, but it will be interesting to see whether he's involved in the upcoming games, especially if Martinez is fit enough to start. It doesn't get any easier for United as they face Chelsea in their next game, before travelling to Brentford to close September.