Erik ten Hag had one main reason for leaving Harry Maguire on Manchester United’s bench against Nottingham Forest – with Luke Shaw favoured in his unfamiliar position of central defence.

Erik ten Hag was forced to play Luke Shaw in central defence for Manchester United’s Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest due to a squad illness.

Club captain Maguire was not in the best of condition going into the Old Trafford fixture having only had one training session since England were knockout of the World Cup.

In addition, Manchester Evening News report that the 29-year-old has also struggled to shake off a virus – but still made himself available with Shaw taking the spot in the XI.

That change gave Tyrell Malacia a chance to impress at left-back, with Raphael Varane and Aaron Wan-Bissaka also named in defence.

Casemiro and Christian Eriksen lined up in midfield with Antony, Bruno Fernandes and Anthony Martial up top with Marcus Rashford.

Fans were initially left baffled by the decision, with Maguire having a positive World Cup despite a poor start to the season at club level.

One fan wrote: “Shaw at CB is a really surprising one!”

A second then added: “Maguire done at the club ETH couldn’t be more clear he doesn’t rate him with no Lisandro Martinez or no Victor Lindelof he plays Shaw in central defence”

With Diogo Dalot and Martinez nearly ready to come back into action in the coming weeks, Ten Hag’s focus seems to be on bringing in a forward.

Ten Hag said before the game: “We had illnesses during the week. Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Scott McTominay. Harry made it, recovered but he is not fit to start. That’s why he is on the bench.

“We had to be a little bit creative.

“Yesterday we took the decision but waited overnight for recoveries. Harry is much better than yesterday but other two are not available.”

SOURCE: dailystar.co.uk