By hook or by crook, Ruben Amorim is insistent on implementing his 3-4-3 system at Manchester United.
Certain players do not suit Amorim’s system. Christian Eriksen has been criticised for not fitting this style of play.
Meanwhile, other players don’t quite fit into a role in Amorim’s system. Bruno Fernandes’ position in this team has even been questioned, despite his continued good performances.
One player who may have to change things in order to suit this system is Luke Shaw.
Ruben Amorim doesn’t play with full-backs in his system, so the left-back will either have to transform into a wing-back or into a centre-half.
Speaking on Off The Ball, Denis Irwin has been discussing Shaw’s role at United, and he says that a move to centre-back could suit the England international at this point.
Luke Shaw tipped to move to centre-back
Irwin shared his verdict on Shaw and where he could fit into this Manchester United team now.
The pundit says that he hopes the £30m man will make his way back into the team, claiming that he could be seen as more of a centre-half than a wide option going forwards.
“Luke Shaw. I think injuries have held him back an awful lot. He’s just got himself back fit, and hopefully he will come back in,” Irwin said.
“Whether he plays as a left wing-back or a left centre-half we’ll have to wait and see. Probably left centre-half might suit him a bit more now. He was always capable but I always keep an eye out for full-backs when they come to Old Trafford.”
Luke Shaw record for Man Utd as a centre-back
Irwin has tipped Shaw to change position after his return from injury and shift into play as a centre-back.
Interestingly, we have seen Shaw play as a centre-back before, and his record in that position is actually quite decent.
Of course, Shaw isn’t a natural centre-back, but in a back three, he could be a decent option on that left side.
| Luke Shaw record for Man Utd at centre-back | |
|---|---|
| Games | 24 |
| Wins | 13 |
| Draws | 4 |
| Losses | 7 |
| Goals conceded | 23 |
| Clean sheets | 9 |
| Clean sheet percentage | 38% |
Shaw can do a job at centre-half for United, and who knows? Perhaps he could reinvent himself in that position.
We’ve seen plenty of full-backs shift across to play centrally in a back three in the past – Cesar Azpilicueta and Kyle Walker are two famous options, and Shaw could be set to do the same for United on a long-term basis.
