Ruben Amorim finds himself in an exciting yet challenging situation as he selects his strongest defense following Manchester United’s recent mini-revival. Just weeks ago, discussions about his future loomed large, but three consecutive victories against Sunderland, Liverpool, and Brighton have shifted the narrative significantly. It feels like discovering an unexpected snack in the cupboard right when you thought you had run out.
Recent Victories
Manchester United began their resurgence with a stunning win over Liverpool at Anfield, a result that caught many by surprise. This was followed by a thrilling six-goal match at Old Trafford against Brighton, showcasing the unpredictability of football. These victories have propelled United to sixth place in the Premier League, emphasizing how quickly momentum can change in the sport.
A notable moment in the Brighton match was Casemiro’s goal, which could have been disallowed due to a foul by Luke Shaw in the buildup. Nevertheless, Bryan Mbeumo sealed the victory for United, even as Brighton mounted a late challenge. This highlights how fine margins can influence games and, ultimately, careers.
Luke Shaw’s Resurgence
Luke Shaw has become one of Amorim’s most reliable players. At 30 years old, he recently recorded his first goal contribution of the 2023–24 season, albeit under controversial circumstances. So far this campaign, Shaw has participated in nine matches, a significant increase compared to just 12 appearances in all competitions last season and 15 the year before. Fans may recall Gary Neville praising him as “outstanding” back in 2021, yet injury struggles have limited his impact since then.
The Return of Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martinez is nearing a full return to action, bringing even more competition to the defense. Amorim expressed confidence in the Argentine’s recovery, noting that Martinez is close to resuming first-team training. However, the timeline for his return will depend on how quickly he regains match fitness. Once Martinez is back, Amorim will face genuine selection dilemmas.
Competition in Defense
With Harry Maguire slipping down the pecking order and players like Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro fitting into Amorim’s tactical vision, Shaw may find himself on the bench more frequently. When fully fit, Martinez has the potential to be one of the Premier League’s top defenders. As a result, every day Shaw comes into Carrington, he will surely feel the pressure of expectations.
Conclusion
In football and in life, change is the only constant, much like that lone sock that always goes missing in the wash. It will be intriguing to see how Amorim navigates this defensive puzzle and whether Shaw can demonstrate why he has been such a key player when injuries have permitted.