Manchester United’s squad is going to see a change in the next few months, with injury returns and AFCON set to impact Ruben Amorim’s selection.
For a squad playing one game per week, Manchester United have a very strong team, and Ruben Amorim has encountered problems in getting everyone enough game time.
This has led to Kobbie Mainoo becoming frustrated at United, despite the midfield being one of the big issues for Amorim this season.
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Another problem area is left wing-back, with Diogo Dalot struggling in the role. But with Lisandro Martinez’s impending return, could the Argentine be about to inadvertently fix the problem for Amorim?
Luke Shaw playing against Nottingham Forest
Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Ruben Amorim on whether Luke Shaw could play wing-back for Manchester United
Martinez is back in training for Manchester United after his ACL injury, and when he is match fit, the left side of the back three will probably be all his.
This could leave Luke Shaw in a tough situation despite his impressive campaign for United to date. However, speaking to the press ahead of the Everton clash, Amorim has suggested Shaw might be an option at left wing-back.
“Yes, he can play there. It is the load that the player does in that position is different. Of course, he can play there; he’s a smart player and fit at the moment.”
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Luke Shaw
Manchester United Career by Position
Position Matches G / A
Left Back 240 4 / 25
Centre Back 43 0 / 3
Left Wing-Back 15 0 / 2
TOTAL 298 4 / 30
Shaw has been a left-back for most of his career, and so wing-back would be an obvious position for him; however, Amorim has been hesitant in the past, instead seeing the England international as a centre-back.
Amorim thinks Shaw is ‘world class’, but if left wing-back awaits for the 30-year-old, it will be a big challenge in his career.
Luke Shaw might struggle with the physicality that Manchester United’s wing-backs need
Despite playing as a wing-back a fair amount during his career, the majority were more than five years ago, and Shaw might not have the qualities needed to succeed in this position anymore.
As a wing-back in Amorim’s system, Shaw would be required to run up and down the pitch throughout the entire game, which might be a sure way for the defender to end up back on the injury list.
Shaw has struggled with injuries throughout his career, but this season, playing centre-back, he’s not had the same physical burden, which has allowed him to stay injury-free.
But as a wing-back, Shaw wouldn’t be able to protect himself from injury, and the additional movement and legs needed might simply be too much of an ask for him.
This could be a bad idea, and instead, Shaw should remain as a centre-back to give reinforcement to Martinez.