Ahead of Sunday's Premier League match against Aston Villa, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag addressed the team's center-back position.
In our 2-2 away tie with Tottenham on Thursday, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw shared the center of our defense for the second time in a row. Harry Maguire was unable to play because of an injury he sustained in training prior to the trip to the capital.
Left-back Luke Shaw has filled in for Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane during our last two games after their absences. Maguire was also ineligible for last Sunday's FA Cup semifinal due to suspension, and United didn't have a known central defender on the bench at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Ten Hag was questioned about if Lindelof and Shaw will team up once more at the weekend during his post-game news conference because it is currently unsure whether Maguire will be available for Sunday's Old Trafford encounter against Villa.
Ten Hag was questioned about if Lindelof and Shaw will team up once more at the weekend during his post-game news conference because it is currently unsure whether Maguire will be available for Sunday's Old Trafford encounter against Villa.
“We have to look from game to game and now we have to focus on Villa and see what's the best against Villa,” Erik explained on Thursday night.
“But we don't have so many options in that position.
“Already a left full-back like Luke is doing great now as a left centre-back.”
The duo went on to contribute to another shutout on Thursday before a second-half Spurs comeback, building on their clean sheet performance in Sunday's 120-minute semi-final against Brighton.
Erik admits that the game became more difficult for our impromptu combination after the hosts lifted the ante and erased a 2-0 halftime deficit to draw 2-2, but he thinks that both players can look favorably on their performances once more.
“When you give the balls away too often, then they [Tottenham] have more part in the game on the ball, in possession, then they [Lindelof and Shaw] get more tested in that part,” the boss added.
“That was definitely the case, and then it got more difficult.
“But I think all over they did, again, a good job.”
Should Luke Shaw continue at Center back for the rest of the season
"To be honest, I was a little shocked to be a part of such a major game." Following the 2-1 victory over Manchester City, Shaw spoke with Sky Sports. Bruno Fernandes' contentious equalizer and Marcus Rashford's winning goal helped United win the game.
Although centre-back is an unfamiliar position, Shaw is happy to play there. He added: "I've always said I'll give anything when I'm on that pitch, wherever I play, and I'm happy to do whatever and be in whatever position. Thankfully the manager trusts me there."
Ten Hag acknowledged that playing Luke Shaw at center back against City was a "big decision," but it was the right one. Ten Hag's belief in the England international is amazing given that the United manager demoted him following their demoralizing 4-0 loss at Brentford in August.
After that match, Luke Shaw's future at Old Trafford was uncertain because he didn't appear in another Premier League match until City's 6-3 defeat in October. Since then, he has appeared in every league game, starting three of his past four games at center back.
Ten Hag added: "He's so honest. After the second game, I didn't play him. He said, 'I fully understand, my performance is not right'. But from the first day of training in pre-season, he was working really hard and you can see when he is in the right approach he's a top player. He's not only a team player, he's a leader. He showed a lot of leader capacity."
"He showed a lot of leader capacity. He's the example in this moment and his skills, with his physical power, he brings a lot to the team. Now also in his mentality, he's an example of how to win big games. I'm really happy with his development. If it's centre-half or left full-back he's a great player and a great personality for the dressing room."
It's yet to be seen what the future holds for several of Manchester United's players after the current campaign. Harry Maguire, after his dismal performances against Sevilla in the double-legged quarterfinal tie of the Europa League, is certain to be set for an exit in the coming summer transfer window.
Erik Ten Hag has decided to play Diogo Dalot at left back due to Luke Shaw's initial absence from the team as well as when he is serving as a makeshift center back. And given Erik Ten Hag's knack for a left-footed central back, which Luke Shaw gives him, it's safe to say Luke Shaw will feature in the center back role for the rest of the season in Lisandro Martinez's absence.
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