Luke Shaw on his teammates’ reaction to him playing at centre-back

Speaking to PA (h/t Manchester Evening News), Manchester United defender Luke Shaw explained the reaction of his teammates when he started playing as a centre-back in the team.

We all know Shaw is a left-back by trade who has predominantly played there for club and country. For England, Gareth Southgate has used him as a marauding left wing-back with three centre-backs behind.

Before the World Cup, United boss Erik ten Hag also used the 27-year-old in his natural left-back position. But, upon the resumption of the league campaign, he started using the player as a centre-back.

Here’s what Shaw said when asked about his teammates’ reaction to him playing as a centre-back (h/t Manchester Evening News):

“Everyone was messing about in the changing room saying I was a centre-back. I thought I would just play the one game and that would be it, but when the next game came, we started preparing and he [Ten Hag] names the team, he picked me at centre-back again!

“I was a little bit like; ‘Wow, I wasn’t expecting this’. He said I had done really well there.”

To be fair to the England international, he has done extremely well in a rather new position for him. Playing as a centre-back in a back four that pushes high up is a tough job. It is because the opposition can attack your side not just with pace, but with physical prowess as well.

So far, Shaw has dealt with everything well when asked to play in that position. Ten Hag has mixed up as well and played him in his natural position too.

What this does is shows that the manager is under control of everything. He has total faith in his coaching and the player to deliver the goods in an unfamiliar position.

It would be interesting to see where Shaw plays in the Carabao Cup Final against Newcastle United. The Magpies have a rapid forward line with the physical presence of Callum Wilson. One thing is for sure the 27-year-old will do well regardless.

More Manchester United News:

• Manchester United duo Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw have ‘done enough’ for a new contract
• Anthony Martial in individual training with Manchester United return near
• PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe to be considered by Manchester United in case of takeover

As fans, we can only hope that the team lifts the cup at the end of the game. It would be great if the six-year trophy comes to an end this weekend.