Luke Shaw responds to Lisandro Martinez replacement questions

Lisandro Martinez is suspended for Manchester United’s first-leg tie against Barcelona in the Europa League.

Due to accumulation of yellow cards in the group stage of the competition, Erik ten Hag will be unable to pick Lisandro Martinez for the Manchester United XI to face Barcelona, which poses the question: Who will play alongside Raphael Varane?

United will be able to welcome back Casemiro to the starting line-up as his three-match Premier League ban for violent conduct does not extend to European competition, which will help sure up the defence, but with United short in midfield as it is, the Brazilian won’t be able to partner Varane in defence like he has on previous occasions this season.

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After the more traditional choices have been considered such as Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, a more interesting choice is that of Luke Shaw, who has played the position multiple times this season and impressed in the process.

Speaking ahead of the Barcelona tie, Luke Shaw was questioned on if he will be playing the role of central defender on Thursday evening.

“To be honest, I’m not too sure yet,” Shaw replied. “We’ll have to wait until tomorrow when he (Erik ten Hag) says the team.”

Shaw most recently filled the position on Sunday afternoon, helping United keep a clean sheet against Leeds United in a 2-0 Premier League victory.

“He’s shown a lot of trust in me and I want to repay that with my performances,” continued Shaw, speaking about his relationship with manager Ten Hag.

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Speaking on the situation regarding no Martinez, Ten Hag himself suggested that Shaw may be the one to fill in by name-dropping him while discussing his options.

“We have many options in the squad,” he told the press. “We can use Luke as a full-back and centre-back. We also have good other options. We can choose by game what we prefer.”

“I think it’s exciting to face each other tomorrow night because it will help both clubs,” he said speaking in relation to the tie against Barcelona. “With such tests, you get better.”

Manchester United will kick-off against Barcelona at a slightly earlier time than what is usually expected for European fixtures, as the match is being played in Spain.

Marcel Sabitzer is another name on the list of suspended players for the tie, and he was not spotted in training on Wednesday morning as Erik ten Hag’s squad prepared for the face off in Spain.