Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has just dropped a hint on Harry Maguire's future

Erik ten Hag will speak to journalists at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday evening ahead of Manchester United's match against Barcelona and Luke Shaw is set to sit alongside him - a clear indicator that he will start at the Camp Nou.

The general rule of thumb is the player who joins the manager at the press conference is a certain starter and Shaw will be disappointed if that is broken on Thursday night, although it's unlikely he will start in his natural position of left-back.

That's because when the team news was confirmed on Sunday afternoon for United's match against Leeds at Elland Road, it was a surprise to see Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane named on the bench with Shaw and Harry Maguire in the centre instead, but Ten Hag explained it was for 'tactical or rotation' reasons and it was clear he was thinking about Barcelona.

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Martinez is suspended for Thursday's match against Barcelona, which means the fixture at Elland Road felt like an opportunity for Shaw to get experience playing at centre-back again, following multiple successful appearances in that role.

Shaw started with Maguire in the centre against Leeds but it seems highly likely only one will retain their starting role in Barcelona, as Varane, who has been outstanding this season, appears a certainty to start at a rival's stadium he knows well.

Considering that Shaw will speak at the pre-match press conference, that suggests Maguire will return to the bench. The club captain has accepted a reduced role this term and Shaw's promotion above him in the centre-back pecking order is telling.

Although Shaw has been exceptional in the centre of defence, it's a clear