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Harry Maguire could have new centre-back partner vs Everton after injury boost

Manchester United star Harry Maguire could be accompanied by Luke Shaw in central defence when they face Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.

The Red Devils have not been at their best in the top-flight this season and all of their seven victories have come by the margin of just one goal.

There is plenty of room for improvement going forward, considering Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund have not scored in the league thus far.

Defensively, the club also need to tighten up in the coming months and they have been handed a huge boost today with Luke Shaw back in full training.

The Englishman has been a huge miss in the United backline. He has been out since late-August but could finally return to the matchday squad.

In our opinion, manager Erik ten Hag could partner Maguire with Shaw in the heart of the defence when the Red Devils travel to Merseyside this weekend.

Maguire has become a mainstay in the starting XI for United lately and it is quite clear that Ten Hag prefers him over Raphael Varane at right centre-back.

The manager does not fancy playing the Frenchman in the left centre-back role either. Jonny Evans got a regular run before an injury saw Victor Lindelof replace him.

We believe Shaw could be drafted straight into central defence on Sunday afternoon with either Sergio Reguilon or Diogo Dalot starting in the left-back position.

Shaw has had his fair share of injury concerns over the years and Ten Hag may resist playing him at left-back due to the extra running and tracking back required.

The 28-year-old would have a lesser workload alongside Maguire. He should be familiar with the role, having played there in Lisandro Martinez’s injury absence last term.

Ten Hag has already dropped a clear hint that Shaw is higher up the pecking order for the left centre-back position at United when compared to Evans and Lindelof.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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