Manchester United defender Luke Shaw could be in the starting XI when the Red Devils take on Arsenal in the Premier League curtain-raiser on August 17.
The Red Devils had a good Premier League Summer Series in the United States. They won against West Ham United and Bournemouth before sharing the spoils versus Everton.
The club have one more pre-season friendly against Fiorentina at Old Trafford on Saturday before welcoming the Gunners for the league opener in another eight days’ time.
Ahead of this, manager Ruben Amorim may have already dropped a big hint over his selection for the left centre-back role. In our view, Shaw looks destined to start from the position.
Shaw, who was signed for £27 million from Southampton in 2014, played 45 minutes against Leeds United in the first friendly of the summer before being replaced by Ayden Heaven.
Heaven got the nod in the XI against West Ham United. Shaw took his place after the hour mark.
Shaw has since played 71 minutes and 57 minutes respectively against Bournemouth and Everton. Heaven has been limited to cameos. The teenager scored an unfortunate own goal yesterday.
United take on La Viola in the final friendly at Old Trafford. It is most likely that Shaw will start at left centre-back for the third game running which should be a big hint for the Arsenal game.
The Red Devils were far from their best in several departments against Everton. There were signs of last season’s habits in the game. Amorim will expect a much better showing next weekend.
Amorim’s preference for a left-footed centre-back on the left side of the back three means Shaw could feature against Arsenal ahead of an inexperienced Heaven. Lisandro Martinez is not fit to play yet.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com