Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has done what Paul Scholes wanted vs Barcelona

Erik ten Hag has opted to reshuffle his defence for this evening's trip to Barcelona in a decision that has already been backed by Paul Scholes.

Manchester United face a two-legged tie against La Liga leaders Barcelona, following the Spanish side's elimination from the Champions League. Ten Hag's side finished behind Real Sociedad in Group E, forcing them into a play-off ahead of the last 16 draw.

And the Dutchman has had to deal with a number of issues within his squad, not least the suspensions of Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer. The former's absence left Ten Hag with a hole at left centre-back which he has decided to fill with Luke Shaw, the left-back occasionally playing centrally this season.

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Shaw's move into the middle has opened up a space on the left for Tyrell Malacia, the 23-year-old impressing in recent weeks after a tough start to life in M16. And on the opposite flank, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been preferred to Diogo Dalot.

"I think Malacia has looked much better," Scholes told MUTV prior to Ten Hag's selection. "He's very aggressive and almost in a similar vein to Patrice [Evra] as it took him a little time to get going. He's been great at left-back but is going to have to be on his mettle tonight. Obviously, concentration is a big thing.

"At right-back, I suppose it could be a game for Wan-Bissaka. For me, I'd want a proper defender and there is no doubt he is a fantastic defender, I think."I think Raphael Varane will play with Luke Shaw. It's been a partnership we've seen before and Luke has been fantastic. I saw it as him just filling in for a couple of games but think the manager really likes him there, with his pace and composure."

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