Ruben Amorim’s Tactical Return: Martinez and Shaw’s Challenge
Ruben Amorim, the tactically astute manager of Manchester United, has issued a stern but motivational challenge to Luke Shaw, one of the club’s longest-serving and most improved players. With the return of Lisandro Martinez, who has been out for ten months due to a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, Amorim has made it clear that Shaw will need to fight to retain his starting position. Martinez’s return as a late substitute in United’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday has reignited the battle for a spot in the lineup, particularly in the central defensive roles.
The Dynamic Duo: Shaw and Martinez’s History
Shaw and Martinez have had limited opportunities to play together over the past two years due to a series of injuries. However, their partnership has shown promise, particularly in United’s 2023 League Cup final win. Shaw, 30, has been a consistent presence on the left side of Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation, starting in all 13 Premier League games this season. Despite the competition, Amorim values both players highly and believes that the competition will only strengthen the team. “They have to fight,” Amorim emphasized, adding that the internal competition is a blessing rather than a problem, as it pushes players to perform at their best.
Martnez’s Return and the Manager’s Perspective
Martinez, a specialist central defender, had been a regular for Amorim before his devastating knee injury in February. The Argentine’s return is a significant boost for United, and Amorim is keen to manage his reintegration carefully. “Licha is a guy that has a big character. I feel that he stops for a year and now he wants things really, really fast, and you have to manage that to explain with that injury,” Amorim said. The manager is taking a measured approach, ensuring that Martinez is gradually brought back into the team to avoid any setbacks. “We need to go step by step, but he’s getting ready. He’s feeling really strong,” Amorim added, expressing his satisfaction with the player’s progress.
Shaw’s Resilience and Adaptation
Luke Shaw, now into his 12th season at Manchester United, has faced numerous challenges over the years. Signed from Southampton for £31 million, Shaw was initially criticized for his fitness and form. However, under Amorim’s guidance, he has reinvented himself as a versatile left centre back, a position that has reduced the physical demands on his body. “The position is completely different,” Amorim noted. “He adapts really well to that position because sometimes he’s playing with the ball like a full back. But he’s defending more deeply. He’s really smart.” Shaw’s adaptability and intelligence on the pitch have been key to his success, and Amorim believes he is a world-class player who continues to grow with more continuity and the lighter workload this season.
United’s European Ambitions and Team Dynamics
United’s focus this season is on the domestic front, with no European competitions to worry about. This has allowed the team to focus on the Premier League and build a cohesive unit. Amorim is transparent about the importance of winning the Europa League, which adds an extra layer of pressure and competition for starting spots. “We need to win Europa League. You have 11 players because you have no idea who is playing one game per week,” he said. The manager’s approach is to create a competitive environment where every player is pushing to be their best, ensuring that the team remains strong and adaptable throughout the season.
Shaw’s Future and England’s Dilemma
Despite his excellent form at club level, Luke Shaw has yet to earn a recall to the England national team since the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain. The left-back position remains a challenging one for the Three Lions, and Amorim is confident that Shaw can still compete at the international level. “It’s different. You have to train there. Before you think to put a different player in that position, you need to train there,” Amorim explained, emphasizing the importance of preparation and readiness. He believes that Shaw can play on the wing if needed and remains a valuable asset for the team, both at club and potentially international levels.
