Man Utd draw 2-2 Nottingham Forest: Luke Shaw makes it difficult for Amorim
Shaw completed 61/67 passes, won 7/9 duels, and was not passed in the 2-2 draw, making Ruben Amorim's problem of using him or reintegrating Lisandro Martinez difficult.
Man Utd left Nottingham Forest with a dramatic 2-2 draw, dropping two points despite having controlled most of the game. Despite the defence conceding two quick goals in just five minutes of the second half, Luke Shaw was outstanding throughout the 90 minutes: 61/67 accurate passes, winning 7/9 duels and not being passed by an opponent. That performance made the personnel decision of coach Ruben Amorim more difficult, especially when Lisandro Martinez has recovered from injury and is ready to return.
Luke Shaw and the left-sided centre-back role
Since Lisandro Martinez suffered an ACL injury in February, Shaw has been moved into left-sided central defence and has quickly proved himself a good fit. Against Nottingham Forest, he was both solid in defence and a key cog in the play from the back. His consistent passing helped Man Utd maintain their tempo and ease the pressure when their opponents pressed high.
What is remarkable is that in a game where the defence was shaky, Shaw was calm and efficient. His high passing rate, ability to win duels and not let opponents get past him were signs of his consistent form in recent weeks.
Two early goals and a rare bright spot
Man Utd conceded two quick goals in the second half, a blow to the team’s concentration. However, against the backdrop of such uncertainty, Shaw’s performance became a rare fulcrum. His presence helped the team maintain structure when in possession, bringing the ball out of danger zones and connecting safely in midfield.
The Shaw - Martinez problem for coach Ruben Amorim
Lisandro Martinez’s return is welcome news, but it raises a difficult question: should you leave out a player in top form to give a chance to one who has just returned from injury, or find a tactical solution that takes advantage of both? Initially, many saw Shaw as a stopgap option. Now, thanks to his form and class as a left-sided centre-back, he has become indispensable.
What is appropriate reintegration?
Healthy competition at left-sided centre-back will make Man Utd stronger. Whatever the final choice, Shaw’s performance against Nottingham Forest showed he is more than just a backup option. This is the “pleasant headache” any manager would want, especially as the season enters a fierce phase.
Notable statistics
- Score: Nottingham Forest 2-2 Man Utd
- Man Utd's defense conceded two goals in the first five minutes of the second half
- Luke Shaw: 61/67 accurate passes
- Luke Shaw: won 7/9 one-on-one duels
- Luke Shaw: not being passed by the opponent
Man Utd did not have all three points, but they did have one more positive sign: a reliable Luke Shaw at the heart of the defense. And that is why Ruben Amorim's personnel problem now becomes more difficult, in a positive way.