MX23RW : Saturday, December 14 19:54:57| >> :120:6671:6671:

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

Luke Shaw
© Reuters
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.

ID:503210:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4373:
Written by
Matt Law

Click here for more stories about Luke Shaw

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Diogo Dalot in action for Manchester United on August 27, 2022
Read Next:
Diogo Dalot returns to Man United training
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City158342721627
6Aston Villa167452425-125
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Fulham166642422224
10Brentford157263128323
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton153661421-715
16Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!