Luke Shaw came on as Manchester United center back on Tuesday night (Picture: Getty Images)

Erik ten Hag was deeply impressed on Tuesday night by makeshift central defender Luke Shaw, who thought the England international looked like he had been playing there for years.

With illness, injuries and absences hampering Ten Hag’s defensive options, he was forced to line up with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Shaw and Tyrell Malacia against Nottingham Forest.

The unusual defense held and the Red Devils exited Old Trafford in a 3–0 win as Shaw strayed far from his usual position at left-back.

While it is unlikely he will stay there when Lisandro Martinez returns from World Cup celebrations and Harry Maguire is back to full fitness, Ten Hag was very impressed and is happy to know he can turn to Shaw should the need arise in the future needed.

“He was very calm there, very determined and determined to play that position. It was a very good performance,” said Ten Hag.

“Last week he volunteered for me. He came in and said, “Look, I can play center back against Burnley.”

Erik ten Hag happy with unexpected extra option as central defender (Photo: Getty Images)

“We chose to have Casemiro in this job, but you see him [Luke] play a wonderful game [against Forest] and he’s doing really well and it looks like he’s been playing as center back for many, many years.

“It’s good to know we have options there and that’s what you need for the whole squad: to have players who can play in more positions.”

United have so far enjoyed the perfect post-World Cup return, beating Burnley 2-0 in the Carabao Cup and then Forest 3-0 in the Premier League.

They will go to Wolves on New Year’s Eve when they have Martinez back and both Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Diogo Dalot could be available again.