Rúben Amorim cannot start one Manchester United player against Athletic Club following his “pointless” performance against Brentford on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United suffered a record 16th Premier League defeat of the season on Sunday afternoon, with Rúben Amorim’s men falling 4-3 to Brentford despite a late surge at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Brentford started brightly, testing goalkeeper Altay Bayındır early on, but it was United who struck first through Mason Mount, finishing off a slick move involving Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
The hosts responded as Mikkel Damsgaard’s shot deflected in off Luke Shaw, before Kevin Schade headed home at the back post to make it 2-1 just past the half-hour mark.
In the second half, Amad and Leny Yoro came on for Shaw and Patrick Dorgu, but Brentford extended their lead as Schade tapped in from Bryan Mbeumo’s cross, and Yoane Wissa added a fourth soon after.
United mounted a spirited comeback late on, with Garnacho curling in a stunning strike and Amad blasting home in stoppage time, but Brentford held firm to take all three points.
Shaw “pointless” against Brentford
Shaw started his second game for the club in seven days when United played Brentford, starting as a left centre-back, much like against Bournemouth last weekend.
Despite Amorim recently claiming that the positon is the best one for Shaw to play, he put in a “pointless” display during the 45 minutes he played against Brentford on Sunday afternoon.
Shaw’s performance did not fill fans with confidence, with his own goal only the surface of what was a performance lacking in confidence and sharpness.
The English defender completed 19 of his 24 attempted passes, having 30 touches and completing only one of his three attempted long balls.
Although he won his only ground duel, he lost both of his attempted duels in the air. He made two clearances, both with his head, earning just a 4.9/10 rating from Fotmob’s statistical analysis.
Shaw must not start vs Athletic Club
Shaw’s half-time substitution against Brentford was one influenced by Amorim’s need to manage the player’s minutes rather than to protect him from criticism, with the major focus being on the upcoming Athletic Club tie.
This could be an indication that he is eyeing Shaw for a start on Thursday, but Amorim must avoid installing him in the back line.
It is clear that United’s best back five does not currently include Shaw if his display against Brentford is anything to go by, with Yoro far superior in the left centre-back role right now.
With Noussair Mazraoui likely to return to the side, Victor Lindelöf putting in a surprisingly good display in the first leg, and Harry Maguire available, Shaw should not be starting in the second leg against Athletic Club.
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