Erik Ten Hag drops stunning hint over Manchester United starting lineup ahead of Barcelona clash

Erik ten Hag believes Luke Shaw will start at center-back for Manchester United against Barcelona on Thursday.

United travel to Camp Nou for the first leg of their Europa League knockout tie, which promises to be an epic match between two of Europe’s most in-form teams.

However, the Red Devils will be missing one of their most important players for the big game, as Lisandro Martinez is suspended.

With Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, and Victor Lindelof all available, speculation turns to which centre-back pairing Ten Hag will select.

However, in recent weeks, the manager has preferred to play left-back Shaw in the left-centre-back position, with the 27-year-old surprising many with his excellent performances there in a variety of games, including the Manchester derby victory.

And while Ten Hag tried to play things close to his chest regarding his team selection he did hint that the England international will be playing there again against Barcelona.

‘We have many options, I think, to sort it out,’ the Dutchman said in his pre-match press conference when asked about Martinez’s absence.

‘Luke can play full-back and center-back. We saw him do both at the weekend [in a 2-0 win over Leeds]. We can choose what we prefer through the game.’

Shaw was also at the press conference but admitted he did not know yet where he would playing, saying: ‘To be honest, I’m not sure yet, we will have to wait until the teams are named.

‘Yeah, it’s a big game that everyone is looking forward to. I believe it will be a significant test, revealing where we stand. ‘We’re prepared.’

Shaw had a rough start to the season, losing his starting spot to Tyrell Malacia, but has recovered to become a key player under Ten Hag.

‘I think not only myself, but the team, were nowhere near where we should have been in the first two games,’ he added.

‘We’ve learned from that and grown as a team and I think it’s showing in our performances. The manager has been fantastic; he has placed a lot of trust in me, and I want to repay him with my performance.’