Erik ten Hag hints where Luke Shaw will play for Man Utd vs Everton

Erik ten Hag has a decision to make as Luke Shaw returns to the fold ahead of Manchester United’s game against Everton.

The Premier League clash will give The Reds an opportunity to build on some solid league form before the international break where they won four of their last five matches.

However, the away bout at Goodison Park will prove to be a stern test, especially after Everton were deducted 10 points last week. There is expected to be a fierce atmosphere as well as protests from the home supporters.

Ten Hag has received a boost ahead of the game though, with Shaw returning to training and set to feature for the first time since the second game of the season.

The English defender will come back into the side for the important game but it is unsure what position he will start.

Traditionally a left-back, Shaw could help with the creative side on the flank, as well as aiding whoever starts at left-wing with overlaps and link-up play.

However, with Lisandro Martinez out of action, Shaw could also be used as the left-sided centre-back in Ten Hag’s system.

The manager values the ball-playing abilities of a left-footer in that position, which is why Shaw played there 11 times last term.

Ahead of the game, Ten Hag reiterated the reasons why he prefers this way which suggests that Shaw could be used centrally against The Toffees.

Initially asked about Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire, Ten Hag said: “They can play together in certain games, but I thought from the start when I came in here, I want a player on the left side of my defence, who is comfortable on the left side of their foot because it gives you more and better angles and that is the reason I explained from the start.

“That’s why I [brought in] Licha Martinez, to have that left-footed [centre-back]. But we have, in our squad, players who can [play] left as well, of course, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw are capable to play in that position. Jonny Evans, as well, and that fits through our way of playing, and that fits to my philosophy of how I see the game.”