Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim could unleash one of his star players in a new role in the coming weeks.
Lisandro Martinez is expected to make his long-awaited return from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury when Everton face United on Monday evening.
The Red Devils will be hoping that Martinez can stay fit as he is one of the most crucial players in the team.
He is tailor-made for the left centre-back spot in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.
Luke Shaw has filled that position for all 11 league games so far, but Martinez’s return could trigger a reshuffle.
Shaw has played the majority of his career as a left-back and could now be handed a fresh opportunity as a left wing-back.
Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot have both had chances in that role, but neither has truly stamped their authority on it.
Now feels like the perfect moment for Amorim to trust Shaw with a genuine run in that position.
The head coach also hinted at this positional change today.
He said (via ManUtd.com): “He can play there, he is a smart player and he is fit at the moment, so I think it is an option.”
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Thomas Tuchel may have a relatively settled England squad, but left-back remains the one position still wide open.
Nico O’Reilly, Djed Spence and Myles Lewis-Skelly have all auditioned during recent international breaks, yet none has fully convinced the England boss.
Shaw’s potential switch to the left wing-back position could allow Tuchel to show faith in the 30-year-old.
The £10.5 million-rated United star already has 34 England caps to his name and will bring experience to the pack.
His cultured left foot can whip dangerous, curling crosses into the box at any moment.
He also possesses the vision to break lines with incisive, defence-splitting passes.
After a sluggish start to the campaign, Shaw has begun to rediscover those trademark qualities.
United have suffered from a lack of England representation recently, with only loanee Marcus Rashford called up for the October and November fixtures.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com