29 June 2023 , 08:09
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Luke Shaw has been hailed as Manchester United 's "next-choice centre-back" despite being a conventional left-back.
The versatile defender has proved a huge asset for Erik ten Hag, filling in centrally when injuries hit. Shaw is nearing a decade at Old Trafford and appears more valuable than ever for United as they look to continuing building under their Dutch coach following a return to the top four.
But whilst Shaw's importance continues to rise, his deployment as a centre-half only serves to highlight the demise of Harry Maguire, who previously commanded that position. The former Leicester man was a favourite in previous tenures, but was quickly relegated to a squad role under Ten Hag.
Lisandro Martinez's arrival saw the Argentine go straight in to partner Raphael Varane as the pair formed an impressive partnership. Shaw is seemingly next in line whenever an injury hits, leaving Maguire on the bench and casting continued doubt over his future role.
Former United star Wes Brown told the club's official website regarding Shaw: “We know him as an excellent left-back but he's been unbelievable [at centre-back]. As a full-back, you’d probably only play there a few times until the other defenders all come back [from injury]. But because Luke has played so well, he’s been, pretty much, the next-choice centre-back.
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“I’m not sure if he played there as a kid, but he just seems to read the game very well. He’s good in the air, his positioning is good and getting better after a few games.”
Luke Shaw has performed impressively as a makeshift centre-half ahead of Harry MaguireMaguire was limited to just eight appearances in the Premier League with the majority of his minutes coming in the cup competitions. He is someway down the pecking order with Victor Lindelof also above him, which could force him to reignite his career elsewhere this summer.
Several sides have been credited with interest as Maguire looks to get regular minutes once again. The upcoming season will end and lead into the Euros, where England will again be amongst the favourites and the United centre-half will want to continue being a regular for his country.
Maguire admitted back in May: "Yeah of course [asking if he would like to start more]. Listen, we have a lot of competition for places and that’s what a big club needs. Lots of strength in depth. [We had] lads who stepped in, lads who haven’t played as much and I think the manager and his staff can rely upon us and know that, if he makes changes, we can do the job, so it’s good to be part of this squad."