This article is part of Football FanCast's Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba's haircuts to League Two relegation battles...

After starting off the campaign in the side and helping Manchester United to a resounding 4-0 victory over Chelsea in the side's opening Premier League game of the season, Luke Shaw must have been convinced this was his year to shine.

The England international has had wretched luck with injuries since moving to Old Trafford, so getting a run of games early on and establishing himself in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's first-team would have been priority number one. Unfortunately for him, just three games in to the league campaign, Shaw was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Watch Manchester United Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

When seeing Ashley Young take up his place in his absence, the 24-year-old no doubt would have felt slightly more reassured that his long-term place at the club was still in tact. After all the United club captain isn't getting any younger and is still undeniably playing out of position. But the emergence of Brandon Williams in recent weeks and months has thrown a real spanner in the works.

The academy product has featured prominently under Solskjaer, racking up ten first-team appearances, and his performances have even won over the United support, with his display against Brighton drawing particular praise. And at just 19-years-old, he still has the world at his feet and plenty of time to make a spot in the side his own - a fact that may have had Shaw quaking in his boots.

But the reality is, the former Southampton man could, and perhaps should, use Williams' breakthrough as a source of motivation. The competition it provides could propel him into achieving what his United legend Ryan Giggs envisaged when the club initially signed him - a man who "has all the attributes to become a top player".

A real test for any fan: Can you name all of these obscure Man Utd signings?

So whilst it may have initially been seen as a negative, Shaw could surprisingly benefit from his teammate shining this season. It can help re-energise him and kick-start his Old Trafford career, and re-focus his mind on the task at hand.

Meanwhile, Manchester United fans react to transfer links with this Bundesliga sensation.