Lisandro Martinez’s return has prompted a tactical change from Ruben Amorim that he had been keeping under wraps.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this current season for Manchester United is Luke Shaw‘s fitness record.
Shaw has started every single game for United, and prior to Lisandro Martinez’s return from his long-term injury, he had been playing at centre-back.
In the match-up against Leeds, Shaw was shifted out to play at left wing-back.
United drew the game 1-1, with Shaw extending his unbeaten record against Leeds to seven matches.
Following the game there was lots of debate on United In Focus’ TalkingPoints platform, with Martinez and Shaw discussed, and fans were in agreement about the change.
WHICH Manchester United player was your man of the match vs Leeds?⚽️
Who impressed you?
On Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martinez was among the top contenders in our post-game man of the match poll, with the second highest number of votes at time of writing.
One fan wrote: “Very happy to see Martinez back shining, that might be his best performance since his return.”
Another responded: “100% agree. He is a warrior and it is good to have him back. Fantastic defender.”
This brought a response asking a question that even Ruben Amorim may not know the answer to right now.
“Be interesting to see what the defensive combination will be when De Ligt and Maguire are back. Who gets dropped?”
INSTANT REACTION: How do YOU feel about Man Utd’s 1-1 draw vs Leeds?
Two points dropped? Or one point gained?
Another fan responded: “I think the three centre backs were reasonably solid under a lot of pressure (bar that one mishap from Heaven).”
“I think Heaven will stay in the side. Licha is unbelievable on the ball,” a further comment read.
An additional comment in response to the man of the match from one of our own writers added: “Lisandro Martinez for me. Then Cunha.”
Martinez won 100 per cent of his duels, demonstrating why Ruben Amorim has made him captain in Bruno Fernandes’ absence.
On Luke Shaw
With Martinez shining in central defence, Luke Shaw has been moved forward to wing-back.
This is a tactical shift that could become more permanent, despite competition from Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu.
Shaw put in a solid performance, but there was a sentiment that he needs to offer more going forward if he is to be a big success at the position.
One comment read: “Shaw at LWB, I think he was decent. Good defensively, made one great header to stop Okafor attacking the ball.
“Going forward, he linked up well with Cunha but I wanted him to overlap a bit more.”
Another fan responded: “I have been impressed with him this season. After years of not being able to play due to injury he seems to have possibly be finally putting it behind him.”
A third fan wrote: “Just need him to have a bit more of an outlet ahead of him. What made him great was his combinations with Rashford when he would start wide and Shaw would make the late run, not always outside or always inside.”
The first poster suggested that Shaw may be playing cautiously due to his historic fitness battle.
“His injury record this season has been miraculous. Perhaps that’s why he hasn’t been overlapping, doesn’t want overdo it.”
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