Following Manchester United's 1-0 defeat to Everton, scrutiny intensified regarding head coach Ruben Amorim's tactical decisions and player performances, particularly that of Luke Shaw. Pundit Gary Neville criticized Shaw's performance as "ambling," indicating a lack of intensity during a critical phase when United was attempting to equalize against a 10-man Everton side.
Shaw has been positioned as a left-sided center-back within Amorim's three-man defensive setup. His performance was notably questioned amid Manchester United's struggle to initiate a comeback. This situation raises inquiries about whether the issues can be attributed to Shaw's individual performance or if Amorim's structure is inherently flawed.
Shaw's participation in every Premier League match this season marks a consistent presence, especially considering his historical battle with fitness issues. Last season, he completed a full 90 minutes in the league on only one occasion, and his appearances have been inconsistent since the 2022/23 season. This ongoing struggle with fitness is likely affecting his overall performance levels.
Statistics support the observation of Shaw's diminishing physical performance. While transitioning to a center-back role may require less running compared to his former full-back position, a notable decline in his sprinting and distance covered per 90 minutes was recorded prior to Amorim's appointment. Additionally, Shaw's attacking contributions, including crosses and goal involvements, have decreased significantly over the past five seasons.
Post-defeat, Neville characterized the team's performance as "smelling of complacency," implying a potential erosion of confidence in Amorim's management. In response to the game's dynamics, Amorim made substitutions that received mixed reactions from fans. His decision to substitute Patrick Dorgu with Diogo Dalot and Kobbie Mainoo for Casemiro, while retaining Shaw, Matthijs De Ligt, and Leny Yoro on the field, raised questions about his tactical approach.
Neville emphasized the need for urgency in play, expressing confusion over Amorim's choices during the match. He stated, "Bringing Dalot on over there in front of Shaw? I don’t quite see it." Amorim's adherence to a 3-4-3 formation has faced criticism, particularly in scenarios necessitating a tactical shift. Critics argue that his reluctance to adapt his strategies in real-time has resulted in missed opportunities for points. Jamie Carragher echoed these concerns, suggesting that Amorim's rigid approach may undermine the team's success.
The potential return of Lisandro Martinez from injury could provide relief for Manchester United. However, questions regarding Shaw's capability to perform effectively in a wing-back role persist, and alternative options have not demonstrated the required performance levels. At his previous club, Sporting CP, Amorim's wing-backs were integral to the success of his system, contributing significantly in terms of goals and assists. In contrast, the current wing-backs at Manchester United have struggled to achieve comparable success.
With minimal contributions in the form of goals and assists from the wing-back positions, concerns about the efficacy of Amorim's tactical framework are increasingly relevant. The lack of offensive output from these players raises questions about their overall value to the team. This situation adds to the array of challenges confronting the head coach, with Shaw's declining performance being just one of many issues that require attention.
