ERIK TEN HAG has revealed that Luke Shaw was so keen to play in Manchester United’s Carabao Cup tie with Burnley that he offered to play out of position.
The left-back has just returned to his club following England’s heartbreak in Qatar, getting knocked out of the tournament in the quarter-finals to France.
Shaw featured in all five of the Three Lions’ games at the World Cup, playing in his preferred position of left-back, but his club manager, Ten Hag, has revealed he was happy to slot into a different position to play for Manchester United.
The Red Devils boss spoke to Man United’s official website before their clash with Burnley to explain why Casemiro would be playing at centre-back instead of their usual starters, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
He said: “It’s an issue as Raphael (Varane) and Lisandro (Martinez) were in the World Cup final.
“We have picked Casemiro as he has played more often there, also Luke (Shaw) reported himself that he could play at centre-half, which is really good.
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“They are all committed and they want to play, they are hungry and I like that.”
United were also without England’s Harry Maguire who missed the game due to illness.
Casemiro played the full 90 minutes at Old Trafford and ensured his side kept a clean sheet despite their notable absences.
They won the game 2-0 with goals from Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford securing their place in the quarter-finals.
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Ten Hag’s side restart their Premier League campaign on December 27 with a clash against relegation battlers Nottingham Forest.
It is not yet known whether United will still be without their first choice centre-backs or not for their game against Steve Cooper’s side.
Martinez and Varane are still on an extended break due to their World Cup final involvement.
Manchester United currently sit in fifth place in the table after a mixed start to the season, but will be hoping they can reinvigorate their campaign to push for a place in the top four.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
