Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has admitted he was "surprised" when Erik ten Hag told him he was playing centre-back in the Manchester Derby on Saturday.
Shaw, 27, was given the nod ahead of established centre-backs Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire. The England international is a left-back by trade but started playing in the middle after the World Cup due to Martinez's initial unavailability.
Shaw could remain at centre-back for some time yet. The former Southampton star has not let Ten Hag down and neither has Tyrell Malacia at left-back. Their form could mean a spell on the bench for Martinez, who impressed for United before the World Cup.
It could also signal the end for club captain Maguire, who now finds himself behind Martinez and Shaw. As exclusively revealed by Mirror Football on Tuesday, United are willing to let Maguire leave the club - with West Ham considering a loan move.
"I was quite surprised I was playing there, to be honest, in such a big game!" Shaw told Sky Sports after the 2-1 win against Manchester City. United claimed the points thanks to a controversial equaliser from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford's winner.
Although centre-back is an unfamiliar position, Shaw is happy to play there. He added: "I've always said I'll give anything when I'm on that pitch, wherever I play, and I'm happy to do whatever and be in whatever position. Thankfully the manager trusts me there."
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Ten Hag's decision to play Shaw centre-back against City speaks volumes. Pep Guardiola's attack is arguably the most formidable in the Premier League thanks to the talents Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Julian Alvarez and others.
It is also impossible to forget about Erling Haaland. The Leeds-born forward has scored 21 goals in just 17 Premier League appearances since his summer transfer from Borussia Dortmund. Yet he failed to add to that tally on Saturday thanks to Shaw.
Ten Hag admitted it was a "big decision" to play Shaw at centre-back against City, but one that was vindicated. Ten Hag's faith in the player is remarkable considering he was dropped by the United boss after their humiliating 4-0 defeat at Brentford in August.
Shaw's Old Trafford future looked in doubt after that game, as he did not play again in the Premier League until the 6-3 loss at City in October. He has featured in every league fixture since, however, with three of his last four outings coming at centre-back.
Ten Hag added: "He's so honest. After the second game, I didn't play him. He said, 'I fully understand, my performance is not right'. But from the first day of training in pre-season, he was working really hard and you can see when he is in the right approach he's a top player. He's not only a team player, he's a leader. He showed a lot of leader capacity.
"He showed a lot of leader capacity. He's the example in this moment and his skills, with his physical power, he brings a lot to the team. Now also in his mentality, he's an example of how to win big games. I'm really happy with his development. If it's centre-half or left full-back he's a great player and a great personality for the dressing room."
