Shaw: I'm happy with new defensive role
Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has spoken about how playing in his new position has helped him reach his best form of the season so far.
The 24-year-old has built his career at left-back, first at former club Southampton and then at Old Trafford following his transfer in 2014.
But in recent months, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has deployed Shaw as a third centre-back, where the England international has excelled to the left of Harry Maguire.
Speaking in the press conference ahead of United's UEFA Europa League last-32 second leg against Club Brugge, Shaw explained how he has adjusted to the challenge.
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"To be fair, I played it a couple of times last season and it's a role that I have been enjoying," he said.
"Don't get me wrong – it's not too much different to left-back. I'm still kind of in the same position [of the pitch].
“But I'm enjoying it, and I've said before, wherever the manager wants to play, I'm happy to play and happy to be on the pitch to give my all for the team.”
Since the recent winter break, the left-footer has twice appeared to the left of a three-man central defence – during the 2-0 win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and three days later in Belgium, where the Reds gained the 1-1 away draw that gives us a slight advantage ahead of tomorrow night's second leg against Brugge.
The player was also keen to cite Solskjaer's support and encouragement in his development.
"I think man-management-wise, he’s been unbelievable for the whole squad and he’s brought a smile to everyone’s faces. I think you see that every day," he continued.
"He’s been brilliant and the lads are all really enjoying it and I think even more so now that we’re getting better results. The team are coming back and we’ve got a lot of players back.
“We’ve got an important second half of the season and Ole’s been great. We’re all really enjoying working under him and we need to keep giving him results.”
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Solskjaer also went on record to praise the full-back's recent versatility during the press conference.
"Luke was out for two months and he’s done really well in a new position," said the manager.
"It’s mixing between left-back and the left side of centre-back. He runs forward more as a left centre-back than as a full-back. I’ve been very pleased with him there."
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