Phil Jones has highlighted Luke Shaw’s improved form and what he has brought to the Manchester United team as part of Ruben Amorim’s back-three.
Since becoming Manchester United head coach, Ruben Amorim has not been afraid to make changes while sticking to his preferred 3-4-2-1 system.
The biggest change made by Amorim has been the introduction of wing-backs, with emphasis put on getting up the line to support the attacking players, but athleticism is required to get back for defensive duties.
Fewer questions are being asked of United’s system under Amorim now that the team are on a four-match unbeaten run. It helps that some of the players have had a run of matches without any injuries or setbacks.
United drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest last week, and a few players stood out with strong performances, even though fans were disappointed to concede five goals in the first five minutes of the second half to throw away a one-goal lead.
Phil Jones believes Luke Shaw is back to his best
One player who has embraced Amorim’s preferred system is Luke Shaw.
The England international missed most of last season due to injury and didn’t get a consistent run under Amorim until the beginning of the 2025/26 season.
Despite being a left-back, Amorim plays Shaw as part of his back-three with Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, and they’ve all contributed to the recent unbeaten run.
Former United defender Phil Jones has singled out Shaw for praise because of what he has brought to the side, especially when the Red Devils travelled to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest.
Speaking on the Inside Carrington podcast, Jones said: “He looks so much… so assured, comfortable. I always think Luke’s at his best when he sort of cruises through the game and, you know, against Forest at the weekend, I thought he defended terrifically in the box.
“When the ball was in the box, he was tight; he made the blocks when he had to. He reads the game well, but when the ball gets transferred from one side to the other, he steps in so well, and he’s almost playing left-back at left-centre-back.
“And the way he drives forward, he commits players, he’s really come into his own, he’s finding that position really well.”
Although Shaw has performed well in the back-three, it remains to be seen if he will keep his place in the team when Lisandro Martinez returns from injury.
The Argentine is expected to return to action soon.
Luke Shaw in contention for England call-up
Thomas Tuchel is expected to announce his England squad for the November international break in the coming days.
The England manager has yet to call up Shaw for any of his previous squads, but recent performances may prove tempting.
Amorim backed Shaw to get an England call-up, but he will be mindful of the risks involved with the defender’s worrying injury record.
Shaw will be in action again when United travel to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
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