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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Steven Railston

Erik ten Hag explains why Luke Shaw starts at centre-back for Manchester United vs Everton

Erik ten Hag has said Luke Shaw is starting at centre-back for Manchester United against Everton for tactical reasons.

United defeated Bournemouth 3-0 in the Premier League earlier this week and the Reds play at Old Trafford again on Friday night, welcoming strugglers Everton, who head into the match after suffering a heavy defeat against Brighton.

Ten Hag has picked another strong starting line up to play Everton, but Shaw starting alongside Raphael Varane in the centre of the defence was the biggest pre-match talking point, as the left-back was selected to play over natural centre-backs.

ALSO READ: Erik ten Hag clarifies Manchester United goalkeeper pecking order

Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire are available but they've been named on the bench for the FA Cup clash.

Ten Hag was asked about that decision before kick-off on Friday night and he admitted it was a 'tactical choice'.

"We take every game in every competition seriously, so also this one," Ten Hag told MUTV. "It's a tactical choice with him [Shaw] again. He worked very well in the centre-back position with Rapha [Varane], and also Tyrell Malacia, who played really strong.

"So I want to keep that. It's important [Dalot and Antony return], that's why also they're playing, to get that connection back, but also with Ty and Diogo, we have two full-backs who can come into midfield and make overlaps and underlaps.

"We need that dynamic in our build-up and our possession play, to play a compact opponent like Everton. It can be, but you have to prove it every game and you have to be ready for every game, so it starts with the right organisation and intensity."

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