0R15 8723.9951 -0.1146% 0R1E 8241.9961 0.8072% 0M69 21090.0 67.5139% 0R2V 227.8 9891.2281% 0QYR None None% 0QYP 420.0 -1.1765% 0RUK 2652.0 -9.2402% 0RYA 1558.3199 1.851% 0RIH 176.95 0.0% 0RIH 178.44 0.842% 0R1O 203.97 9923.0958% 0R1O None None% 0QFP None None% 0M2Z 263.4 0.4289% 0VSO 32.36 -9.1139% 0R1I None None% 0QZI 555.0 0.0% 0QZ0 220.0 0.0% 0NZF None None% 0YXG 166.16 0.3709%

Sports

Erik ten Hag has confidence in Luke Shaw as a centre-back

Erik ten Hag believes Luke Shaw can shine at centre-back for Manchester United.

The England defender helped United to a 1-0 win at Wolves on New Year’s Eve and could start in the middle again against Bournemouth on Tuesday.

Lisandro Martinez has resumed training and may be available but, should the Argentina World Cup winner fail to make it, Ten Hag has no hesitation about calling on Shaw again.

“You have a plan, sometimes it changes by circumstances like illnesses. Casemiro did well at centre-half, like Shaw against Forest,” Ten Hag said.

“The way we were to approach Wolves, I thought it was the best match with Rafa (Varane) and Luke, you know the speed of Wolves over the right side and he could cover that.

“We wanted to attack on the left side with an offensive game from Tyrell Malacia and, in possession with a left footer, you get better angles on the pitch.

“He was impressing but he is also good as a left full-back. It’s an extra option which is always good.”

Ten Hag was unhappy with United’s first-half performance at Molineux before Marcus Rashford came off the bench to score the winner, which moved them into the Premier League’s top four.

Rashford had been axed for oversleeping and being late to a team meeting.

Ten Hag felt there was a lack of focus from his side in the first half but believes they quickly rediscovered their drive.

“I saw a different approach in the second half, there was more investment, more focus, aggression. We had a better organisation in the second half and created more chances,” he said.

Diogo Dalot is making progress from his hamstring strain while Scott McTominay (illness) should return to the squad.

We use cookies to help us improve, promote, and protect our services. By continuing to use this site, we assume you consent to our Cookies Policy. For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions