Ruben Amorim’s tactical tweaks have continued at Manchester United as he tries to find the right combination, and Wes Brown thinks a major one is on the way.
Despite being at Manchester United just over a year now, Ruben Amorim is quite clearly not happy with many aspects of this squad.
He recently pleaded for wing-backs more suited to his style, and his constant swapping of centre-backs and changing of the attacking combination shows a manager who hasn’t had his “Eureka!” moment yet.
Wes Brown thinks he is set to take another step towards achieving that moment by changing the position of another Man Utd player.
Bukayo Saka of Arsenal in action with Matthijis de Ligt, Luke Shaw, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United
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Wes Brown on Ruben Amorim’s tactical decision
Already this season, Bruno Fernandes has seen his position change, while Amad has continued at wing-back, and Matheus Cunha has had stints as a striker.
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That is not even counting Kobbie Mainoo, who Amorim said is better higher up the pitch last season, but is suddenly competing with Fernandes for the defensive midfield spot this year.
Brown says another player is set to join the likes of Fernandes and Amad in changing his position this year, with Luke Shaw a prime candidate.
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Speaking on Sam Allardyce’s podcast, Brown said Amorim will look to try Shaw at left wing-back before deciding if the team needs another to battle Patrick Dorgu.
He said: “Who would I sign? Where would I like another player in? At the moment, Ugarte hasn’t played as well. Bruno and Casemiro are holding that. I’d like to see Kobbie more.
“I’m probably going for, and I don’t know if Luke Shaw can do it, but a left wing-back, I think we will see Luke Shaw there in the upcoming games.”
Luke Shaw needs to be challenged at wing-back
Brown’s assertion makes a lot of sense, especially in the wake of Lisandro Martinez’s return from injury vs Crystal Palace.
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Dorgu does an admirable job of running up and down the pitch, but he lacks the quality on the ball to be a threat on the left.
Diogo Dalot’s right foot hinders him from bombing down the flank, often killing the speed of attacks by dragging the ball to the right.
Due to Shaw’s history as a left-back, he will be much more suited to that role, and Martinez at left centre-back with Casemiro as the left-sided defensive midfielder will give the team a proper left-footed troika.
Shaw hasn’t been deployed at left wing-back because there’s a fear that his body might break down again due to the position’s intense demands.
However, that is just a risk United will have to take and challenge Shaw to rise to the challenge, because the current predicament is hindering the team.
Martinez is the best passing centre-back at the club, and Shaw is the best ball-progressor defender. They need to be played at their ideal positions.
Protecting Shaw from injuries by playing him at centre-back was fine when Martinez was injured. He needs to be challenged now.