Manchester United's left-back Luke Shaw has stated that it is up to the manager to decide where he plays across the Red Devils' defense. Then former Southampton man has shown his versatility after Erik Ten Hag deployed him as a center back on several occasions.
He has played there four times since his return from the World Cup and has impressed massively; his best performance at center back was against Manchester City, when he kept an informed Erling Haaland quiet throughout the game. He played at center back against Leeds United when United played at Elland Road.
The number 23 is being tipped to start at center back once again when Manchester United faces Barcelona in the UEFA Europa League knockout phase. When asked if he would be starting against Barcelona as a center back, Luke replied.
"To be honest, I'm not too sure yet," replied Luke. "We'll have to wait until tomorrow when he names the team, so I'll find out then."
Wherever he features, the Reds' versatile No. 23 agrees with a reporter's point that La Liga leaders Barcelona will provide "an acid test" of United's development as a team this term.
"It's obviously a very big game; it's one we're all looking forward to." And yes, it's going to be a big test; it will show us where we are. "But I think where we are at the moment, we're ready for it."
The England international further reacted to questions regarding the team's progress after a disastrous start. Since their chaotic opening day loss to Brighton Albion at Old Trafford and disgraceful 4-0 defeat at the hands of Brentford in London, Erik Ten Hag's side has lost just four times in 34 games across all competitions, keeping nine clean sheets.
Luke Shaw reflected on the team's collective progress and his own personal improvement as a player under Erik Ten Hag's guidance.
"I think obviously not just myself, but I think the team in the first two games was nowhere near where we should have been at," the defender told the press at Spotify Nou Camp stadium.
"It was obviously a very difficult start, but I think we've learned from that and we've grown as a team, not just as individuals, but as a team."
"I think now collectively it's showing in our performances and where we're going." Of course, it helps with the manager; he's been really good and has shown a lot of trust in me. "My main thing now is to repay that trust with good performances and to help the team as much as possible," he explained.
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