Luke Shaw Injury Should Not Force Manchester United Reshuffle for Louis van Gaal
At his press conference on Friday afternoon, Louis van Gaal shared the bad news that Luke Shaw will miss Manchester United's clash with West Bromwich Albion due to injury, as reported by the club's official website.
The young left-back has played two games on the bounce for United. In those games, he has been in excellent form, as I outlined on Thursday.
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His performance against Chelsea was particularly noteworthy, with Van Gaal singling him out for praise in its aftermath. The Dutchman told MUTV (h/t ManUtd.com), "He played very well against Chelsea and I’m very happy for him."
That his manager also expressed his faith in the youngster, saying, "I believe in Shaw," will be comforting to hear, especially now that he is facing another spell on the sidelines.
It is very unfortunate timing for the Englishman, who faces plenty of competition for the left-back spot at United with Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind both able to play the role. Indeed, Blind's contribution from that position during United's recently ended good run of form was impressive.
It is hard to imagine that Shaw would have lost his place were it not for injury, though, as Van Gaal has consistently retained players in the first XI when their form has warranted it.
However, while his injury must be very frustrating for Shaw, it need not force United into a major tactical revamp.
In the continued absence of Michael Carrick, Blind should be retained in defensive midfield, with Ashley Young deputising for him at left-back and either Phil Jones or Paddy McNair playing at centre-half alongside Chris Smalling.
Angel Di Maria can be brought in in Young's stead further up the pitch.
In the two games Carrick has missed so far, Ander Herrera covered for him in the first and Blind in the second. In spite of Blind's relative ineffectiveness in that position against Everton, he should be given a chance against West Brom.
Blind's best midfield performances for United have come at home against opposition the Red Devils are expected to beat. At home to Leicester at the end of January, for example, Blind completed 94.2 percent of his 103 passes, provided an assist and made three tackles and five interceptions.
Against Queens Park Rangers way back in September 2014, Blind completed 95.5 percent of his 112 passes and made two tackles and two interceptions.
Against Sunderland in February, the statistics were similarly impressive—93.3 percent of 104 passes complete, a tackle and three interceptions.
All those games resulted in comfortable victories for United. Against teams that have pressed hard in midfield, or have been incisive on the counter-attack, the former Ajax man's weaknesses have been exposed. But when United have dominated, Blind has generally been effective.
The key reason to retain Blind at defensive midfield, though, is in order to allow Herrera licence to attack. If United's official Player of the Month for April—as announced on the club's Twitter feed on Thursday—is forced into the holding role, he is denied the chance to link up with Juan Mata. That connection was incredibly effective as part of United's winning streak.
If Herrera has to drop deeper, then someone has to fulfil his attacking role. Giving that responsibility to Wayne Rooney means that either Robin van Persie or the consistently disappointing Rademel Falcao will play at centre-forward. If that happens, there is every chance of United's rhythm being disrupted.
Assuming Tony Pulis brings West Brom to Old Trafford with a plan to soak up pressure and then counter attack, Van Gaal's priority should be to maximise United's attacking penetration.
In order to ensure this, the Red Devils' injuries in general, and Shaw's and Carrick's in particular, should not result in a huge tactical rethink. Rather, Blind should be trusted in defensive midfield and United's more creative players should be given full licence to attack.
All advanced statistics per WhoScored.com.
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