Manchester United

Luke Shaw "really enjoying" playing as a centre-back

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 01 January 2023

Luke Shaw says that he is "really enjoying" playing as a centre-back for Manchester United, having impressed in his last two appearances in that position.

Luke Shaw has said that he is "really enjoying" playing as a centre-back for Manchester United.

The 27-year-old has operated as a central defender in a back four in his side's last two Premier League matches against Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Red Devils have kept clean sheets in both of those fixtures, with Shaw impressing alongside Raphael Varane at the heart of the back line.

Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have both recently been absent through illness, while Lisandro Martinez has not been considered for selection since the World Cup, having returned late from the competition due to his presence at the final of the tournament for Argentina.

Man United boss Erik ten Hag now has a decision to make when it comes to Shaw's position for Tuesday's Premier League contest with Bournemouth.

Manchester United's Luke Shaw in action with Newcastle United's Miguel Almiron on October 16, 2022 © Reuters

Shaw has said that the presence of "world-class" teammate Varane has helped him adapt to the role.

"We've got a lot of world-class centre-backs here, but I'm not going to lie I've been really enjoying it," Shaw told MUTV.

"It's something very different and something I've not experienced before. I've played at centre-back but in a three and it is totally different.

"The manager has needed me to play there and I'm happy to play wherever, as long as I'm on that pitch. It always helps when you've got someone with the world-class ability next to me like Varane. He's spoken to me a lot, not just during the game, but before, and I've really enjoyed it.

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring against Nottingham Forest on December 27, 2022 © Reuters

"And of course the ones that are not playing like Vic and Harry have been extremely helpful to me with giving details on what to do.

"The most important thing for me today was winning and keeping another clean sheet."

Meanwhile, Ten Hag said after Saturday's win over Wolves that Shaw's strong left foot makes him the ideal player to operate in that area of the field.

"That is one of the reasons [why Shaw played there]. You get better angles in possession, but in this game it was also important - they have speed on the right wing and Luke Shaw can defend that," said the Man United boss.

Shaw has now made 18 appearances for the Red Devils this season, regaining his spot in the side at the start of October after a spell out of the first XI due to his shaky start to the campaign.