Ruben Amorim showed signs of evolution and adaptability in Man Utd’s latest game against Bournemouth, but he’s been taking an even bigger risk with Luke Shaw all this time.
Luke Shaw has been a surprisingly ever-present member of the starting XI this season, with Ruben Amorim revealing recently that he had to take “special considerations” with him.
Now, however, Shaw is motivated and is no longer a concern, and Amorim has been happy to test that theory by selecting him for every game.
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It’s a risky strategy considering Shaw’s history, but at the same time, this high-risk decision is benefiting his Man Utd teammate.
Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United celebrates after the team's victory in the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park on November 30, 2025
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Ruben Amorim’s high-risk gamble with Luke Shaw
If there was ever a time to test Shaw’s endurance and availability, this season was it, because a lack of European football gives players plenty of time to recover.
Shaw has started every league game this season and played 96% of all available minutes, metrics that beg belief considering Shaw’s history.
A change of position has helped, but it’s not like the wide centre-back has a less stressful and intense time on the pitch.
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Amorim is challenging Shaw to leave his injury worries behind and testing the limit of his availability, and he’s chosen the perfect time to do so.
His contract expires in 2027, and he will be 33 by then, so United need to be absolutely certain about his longevity if extension talks are to take place.
At the same time, testing Shaw’s limit is also benefiting Lisandro Martinez, who is returning from a brutal injury of his own.
Amorim’s stance on Shaw is a boon for Lisandro Martinez
Martinez recently returned from an ACL injury he sustained in February this year, and he has been allowed to slowly ramp up his minutes.
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Lisandro Martinez in the gym
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That is a luxury that players haven’t been afforded previously. If anything, Shaw being rushed back from previous injuries worsened his condition.
Martinez, on the other hand, has come off the bench for consecutive games now, building up his fitness gradually because Shaw is handling the starter duties.
Effectively, Amorim had two broken options for the left-sided centre-back spot, and he’s now using both to become whole.
In the best-case scenario, United’s strength in depth will be massive ahead of a potential return to Europe next season when both Shaw and Martinez are regularly available.
In the worst case, Shaw is allowing Martinez to ease into action by going the extra mile in the short term.
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