Rio Ferdinand names 27-year-old as Manchester United’s man-of-the-match against City

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Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand named Luke Shaw as his man-of-the-match following United’s 2-1 win against Manchester City yesterday.

Erik ten Hag once again selected the 27-year-old to play at centre-back and Shaw produced a dominant display against City’s star man Erling Haaland.

United’s number 23 had started three of the last four games at centre-back, but coming up against Pep Guardiola’s Citizens with the imposing Haaland leading the line is a massive step up in quality compared to facing Nottingham Forest, Wolves and Everton.

Despite having Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof available for selection, Ten Hag opted to play Shaw at centre-back alongside Raphael Varane with Tyrell Malacia at left-back.

Rio Ferdinand names Luke Shaw as Manchester United’s man-of-the-match against Manchester City

With United leading 2-1 in the latter stages of the clash at Old Trafford, it was Shaw who stepped up and made some crucial clearances to ensure Ten Hag’s side held on to a crucial three points.

Shaw, who joined United in 2014 in a £27m deal from Southampton, made a crucial header at the back post and his desire to clear United’s lines saw him relentlessly attack the ball and get his side up the pitch.

The 28-time England international and Varane did a great job in nullifying the threat of Haaland, and the Norwegian superstar endured a frustrating afternoon on his first appearance at the Theatre of Dreams.

But Shaw’s inspired performance drew praise from Ferdinand.

Speaking on VIBE with Five, Ferdinand said: “Man of the match for me was Luke Shaw. [He was brilliant] especially in the latter stages of the game – the header at the back post, a couple of interceptions and calmness under pressure.

“Luke Shaw everyone questioned it – should he be playing centre-halve – he has told people I’ll play anywhere at the moment, and I’m going to give you 8/10 minimum.”

It’ll be interesting to see whether Ten Hag deploys Shaw at centre-back once again when United travel to Selhurst Park on Wednesday to face Crystal Palace.