With Raphael Varane returning late from the World Cup after reaching the final, and Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof being unwell, Luke Shaw has been a surprise success in the centre of Manchester United’s defence in recent weeks. The left-back has been selected as one of the three possible candidates for United’s player of the month after a string of composed displays in a new position.

Erik ten Hag spoke at his Bournemouth press conference about how impressed he’s been with Shaw and that, while he still considers him as a left-back, is pleased to know we have a strong option for the centre in case of emergency.

Of course you have your ideas, and a plan, but sometimes it changes by circumstances like illnesses from Harry and from Victor. Normally they should have started in the games we just played, but then Casemiro did well as a centre-half, Luke Shaw against Forest did very good, and also you look into the game plan, the way we have to approach Wolves, and I thought it was the best match with Rapha and Luke. Especially defending wise, we know the speed from Wolves over on the right side, and he [Shaw] could cover that because we want to attack over on the left side with offensive game from Tyrell Malacia so that was a good fit. And also in possession, you always – with a left foot – get better angles on the pitch.

I think he [Shaw] did fabulous and was impressing, but we know also he is really good as a left full-back but it’s an extra option and [that] is always good for a team.