Man United defender Luke Shaw is closing in on a return from injury but he could be used out of his natural position again.
Jose Mourinho famously said Luke Shaw used ‘his body with my brain’ in an extraordinary press conference in 2017.
“21 is old enough to have a better understanding. He has a future here but Manchester United can’t wait,” a disgruntled Mourinho added following a stalemate against Everton at Old Trafford.
Mourinho had already questioned Shaw’s commitment and focus and he’d been left out of the squad altogether in the previous game against West Brom, leaving question marks surrounding his future.
A new back line coming for Man United
Shaw seemed destined to leave United with Mourinho in charge,
But he survived that period and overcoming adversity has been a theme of his career considering the physical and mental challenges he’s faced.
The horrific double leg fracture Shaw suffered against PSV Eindhoven in 2015 would curtail most players’ ability
And it’s remarkable he’s been able to enjoy the best football of his career since returning from that injury.
It seems hyperbolic but Shaw was regarded by many as the best left-back in the world in the 2020/21 season
And although his form dipped in the following campaign, he got back to his best playing for Erik ten Hag.
Shaw was exceptional last season and he made an effortless transition to playing at center-back in December
When he was asked to play there, with Lisandro Martinez absent after World Cup glory.
“We’ve got a lot of world-class center-backs here, but I’m not going to lie I’ve been really enjoying it. It’s something very different and something I’ve not experienced before,” Shaw said after his second game in that role.
“I’ve played at center-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 next to me like Varane.”
Mourinho once accused Shaw of lacking positional understanding and that couldn’t be further from the truth now,
As he demonstrated intelligence and quality to play on the left side of central defense.
