Christian Eriksen

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Christian Eriksen saw joining Manchester United as 'redemption' after his cardiac arrest last year, saying he opted for 'one of the biggest clubs in the world' over other options around Europe

* Christian Eriksen said motivation to join a big club led him to Manchester United
* Eriksen told Bold in Denmark that he turned down offers including Brentford's
* The Dane saw the move as 'redemption' after his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020

Christian Eriksen said the chance to prove himself at a big club was behind his choice to go to Manchester United this summer.

The Danish forward viewed the move as 'redemption', after the rocky road he has had in recent years, including suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch during his country's Euro 2020 match in Copenhagen.

Eriksen, 30, said Brentford wanted to keep him, after six months in west London, and he also entertained other offers. But once it became clear that Manchester United were interested, he knew where he had to go.

Eriksen told Danish website Bold: 'It is one of the biggest clubs in the world. It was a redemption after what had happened earlier, and like proving that you could get an offer from United.

'It was great. It’s a huge club I’ve joined.

'I had enough [opportunities]. I had enough options to choose from, but it was all about finding the right one.

'Of course, Brentford wanted me to stay, but I would say where I am in my career I had the opportunity to step up to what I had dreamed of and hoped for.


Christian Eriksen said he wanted to move to Manchester United because it is a 'big club'. Eriksen's importance to Manchester United includes his partnership with Scott McTominay

'I wanted to kick-start my career by coming to an even bigger address [club], and I succeeded.'

The former Tottenham and AC Milan midfielder has been an important part of Manchester United's season so far, starting seven matches and forging a strong partnership with Scott McTominay.

Eriksen's arrival at Old Trafford was one of Manchester United's more understated incomings, but his performances have so far limited the game time of £70m signing Casemiro.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11204097/Christian-Eriksen-joined-Manchester-United-redemption-cardiac-arrest-year.html

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'It was easy to boo': Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen admits he was disappointed with being jeered by Brentford fans during his return to his former club in his new side's 4-0 defeat

* The Denmark international rejected a new contract from the Bees this summer
* The 30-year-old instead decided instead to sign for Manchester United
* Eriksen was jeered during Brentford's stunning 4-0 victory over his new club

Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen has revealed he was disappointed with being booed by his former club Brentford earlier this season.

Brentford signed Eriksen on a free transfer in January, with the club providing the Dane with his first chance of senior football since suffering a cardiac arrest in June 2021.

The playmaker's time in west London was a huge success. Not only did he contribute a goal and four assists in his 11 appearances in the Premier League but he also won plaudits across the game for his passing, vision and style of play.

The 30-year-old decided to reject a new contract from Thomas Frank's Bees and instead make the move to Old Trafford this summer.


Manchester United's Christian Eriksen was disappointed with boos on his Brentford return. The 30-year-old rejected a new contract from the Bees, instead joining Manchester United

On his return to Gtech Community Stadium, he was booed when his name was called out as part of United's starting line-up ahead of his side's heavy 4-0 defeat in the second week of the season. He was also jeered when he touched the ball during the match.

'It was a bit of a mix. They were very happy after they were about to win 4-0, and then people jumped on the wave,' Eriksen told Danish media outlet Tipsbladet.

'It was easy to boo. It's not something I remember as anything good. You can turn it as you please.

'One way or the other. When people choose to boo, it sounds one way no matter what.'

The former Tottenham and Inter Milan star was to blame for one of the goals that Erik ten Hag's side conceded against Brentford as they suffered back-to-back defeats in a miserable start the new campaign.

Mathias Jensen stole the ball from Eriksen as he looked to play the ball out from the back and fired home the Bees second goal of the match.


Eriksen was booed when his named was called out as part of United's starting line-up. The Denmark international was to blame for one of the goals United conceded at Brentford

United have since gone on to win their next four league games, which included victories over rivals Liverpool and Arsenal.

Eriksen added: 'There have been no personal mistakes like against Brentford, where David (De Gea) and I made mistakes and then we were 2-0 behind after five minutes.

'Now we have come back on top with some great 1-0 victories, which have been good for us.'

Eriksen is currently away on international duty with Denmark ahead of their final two Nations League matches.

Denmark play Croatia on Thursday before they host world champions France on Sunday.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11231611/Man-Uniteds-Christian-Eriksen-admits-disappointed-crowd-jeers-Brentford-return.html

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Christian Eriksen says he's 'happy' to be compared to Man United legend Paul Scholes... as he reveals that confidence is growing at Old Trafford after a difficult start to the season

* Christian Eriksen has made an impressive start to life at Manchester United
* Erik ten Hag has started Eriksen in all six Premier League games this season
* The midfielder's displays have seen him likened to United hero Paul Scholes
* Eriksen says he is flattered but wants to 'create his own name' at Old Trafford

Christian Eriksen admits it is flattering to be compared with Manchester United legend Paul Scholes but insists he also wants to 'create his own name' at Old Trafford.

The Danish midfielder has made a strong start to life at United following his free transfer from Brentford in the summer.

Erik ten Hag has started Eriksen in all six Premier League games this season and Bruno Fernandes is the only outfield player in the squad to play more minutes in all competitions so far.

Eriksen's performances, which are all the more impressive given that it was only 15 months ago that he suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch at Euro 2020, have earned him rave reviews and seen him compared to Scholes and another ex-United star Juan Mata.

As he prepares for Denmark's two Nations League fixtures against Croatia and France over the next week, Eriksen has commented on the likenesses being made.


Christian Eriksen has made a strong start at Manchester United since his move from Brentford. The midfielder's performances have seen him compared with United legend Paul Scholes

'It's football in a nutshell and shows how fast it is,' Eriksen told Politiken. 'Of course, it is great to be compared to them, but you create your own ways and your own name.

'I was lucky that I managed to play against Paul Scholes. He was a good player, so I'm happy to be compared to him.'

The start of Eriksen's United career has not all been smooth sailing though. The Red Devils found themselves bottom of the Premier League after losing their first two matches of the season to Brighton and the midfielder's former side Brentford.

However, they have since won their last four league matches in succession - including against Liverpool and Arsenal - and have moved up to fifth.

Eriksen, 30, gave his reasoning for United's shaky start but believes the team are now going from strength to strength.

'During that period we were probably searching – also for my own part. I played many different positions in a very short time. First a little striker and then down in defensive midfield.

'In recent matches, I have played as an eight, and it suits me very well. It's great that we've come back on top with wins, which have been good for us and created a bit of confidence.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11234133/Christian-Eriksen-happy-compared-Manchester-United-legend-Paul-Scholes.html

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Christian Eriksen dominated France by creating EIGHT chances as he thrived with freedom in a midfield three... having overcome a difficult start, could his remarkable Denmark return hint at a different role at Man United?

* Eriksen was highly impressive as Denmark beat France in the Nations League
* His creative stats caught the eye but the midfielder also put in defensive shift
* It is just the continuation of a positive start to the season for club and country
* Eriksen plays in a midfield three for his country and is afforded more freedom
* Erik ten Hag prefers him in a defensive midfield pair for Manchester United
* But it would be a risk to push Eriksen further forward alongside Bruno Fernandes

'There is an attacking player who even surprised me, and not just because of what had happened that could have been dramatic for him, and obviously it's Christian Eriksen... he has always been someone who has a remarkable technical ability... but the volume of games he plays, this ability even to recover is impressive.'

That was France coach Didier Deschamps being effusive about Eriksen's brilliance before his team played Denmark on Sunday night.

So imagine how he felt after Eriksen dominated the world champions in a 2-0 victory that very nearly delivered the Danes to the UEFA Nations League finals.

There seems to be universal astonishment that Eriksen can be so influential and so relentless just over a year since that cardiac arrest on the pitch during Euro 2020.

Nobody who witnessed those horrendous scenes at a stunned Parken Stadium that night could ever have imagined Eriksen returning to a football pitch, let alone playing such good football.


Christian Eriksen looked emotional as he applauded the fans at the Parken Stadium after Denmark's impressive 2-0 win over France in the UEFA Nations League. The Manchester United midfielder's stats were highly impressive during Sunday night's win. Even more remarkable is that Eriksen's form comes just a year after he suffered a cardiac arrest playing for Denmark against Finland at Euro 2020

Fitted with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) device to regulate his heartbeat, Eriksen simply hasn't missed a beat for Manchester United or his country in recent months.

It'd be impressive given everything Eriksen has gone through if he was a no more than a bit-part player, perhaps making the odd substitute appearance as he took it easy.

So to have made such a fine start to his Old Trafford career while also being integral to World Cup-bound Denmark is nothing short of remarkable.

His stats from Sunday night tell you everything about a player making the most of his second chance in football, let alone life.

He created eight goalscoring chances against France, completed 84 per cent of his passes, managed nine successful crosses, won four ground duels and recovered the ball no fewer than 10 times.

It was an eye-catching all-round display and helped Denmark to a victory that was sealed by goals in the first-half by Kasper Dolberg and Andreas Skov Olsen.

In the end, it wasn't quite enough to send the Danes through to next summer's Nations League finals because Croatia won 3-1 in Austria to pip them to top spot.

That came after Eriksen scored a screamer from 30 yards in a losing cause in Zagreb on Thursday night.


Eriksen (left) has started well under Erik ten Hag (centre) - but his Denmark performances beg the question as to whether he should play alongside Bruno Fernandes (right). Eriksen has probably played more football than he expected since arriving at Old Trafford

Since he returned to the Denmark team in March, Eriksen has scored against Holland and Serbia, and been a real creative force in other games.

In Kasper Hjulmand's system on Sunday night, Eriksen played in a midfield three alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Thomas Delaney, which seems to fully unlock his capabilities.

All of which begs the question as to whether Eriksen could be used slightly differently for Manchester United.

So far, he's been part of the midfield two in Erik ten Hag's favoured 4-2-3-1 formation, with Bruno Fernandes playing the more creative No 10 role ahead of him.

Eriksen hasn't complained and has willingly mucked in with the defensive work when required, usually in tandem with Scott McTominay.

In fact, his Premier League stats since arriving at United have been very good. He's made eight defensive clearances and further relieved pressure by winning back possession 39 times in six games.


Eriksen has willingly put in a defensive shift in his deeper midfield role for United this season. He has also shown his ability to pick a pass and unlock opposition defences in United red. At some point, Ten Hag has a big call to make as he tries to integrate £70m man Casemiro

And that boundless energy was apparent when he stormed through Arsenal's defence to square to Marcus Rashford to seal a 3-1 win in United's last league outing.

His creativity and attacking stats haven't been as eye-catching - just the one big chance created, a crossing accuracy of 26 per cent, just two through balls, one assist and no goals.

But perhaps much of this can be explained by playing so deep. If Eriksen played alongside Fernandes or even as a No 8 then it would be a different story.

Fernandes has himself started the season really well, enjoying a fresh lease of life after a disappointing 2021-22 campaign. So it is tricky to make a case for replacing Fernandes with Eriksen.

Ten Hag must surely have considered playing them both together in a 'double 8'. There is a danger of treading on toes but their respective games are varied enough to unlock most opposition defences.

But more likely, the Dutch coach concluded that United's defence would be left too exposed by only having one holding midfielder.

McTominay is a grafter but he alone can't stop the tide against the best opponents and adequately shield Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane.

Even Casemiro, United's £70million summer arrival from Real Madrid, isn't capable of winning every midfield battle and is likely to be integrated alongside Fred or McTominay at some point.

And that could squeeze Eriksen out, which would be a real shame but United have enough games this season to ensure he still plays regularly.

Should Ten Hag make a concession and adjust to a 4-1-2-3 formation in the odd game, Eriksen and Fernandes could play ahead of Casemiro with a forward line of Antony, Rashford and Jadon Sancho.

It would offer Eriksen some more freedom but most Premier League opponents are able enough to mean the Dane would still have to track back.

But Eriksen isn't the complaining type and his enduring love of football shines through every time he takes the field. His performances continue to surprise and delight.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11250465/Christian-Eriksen-dominated-France-hint-possible-Man-United-role.html

[Andi Istiabudi]

ERIKSEN APPRECIATES VALUE OF FANS' AWARD

Christian Eriksen believes Manchester United's Player-of-the-Month award is important in building more connection with the club's supporters.

The fans get to vote for their winner from our shortlist each month and Eriksen followed fellow new recruit Lisandro Martinez in picking up the trophy this season.

It was just reward for a run of fine performances from the Denmark international, including a key role in the 3-1 truimph over Arsenal and a stand-out performance during the 2-0 victory away to Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League.

For the former Ajax, Tottenham, Internazionale and Brentford midfielder, the award is a great way for fans to get involved.

“I think September has been nice," he told club media at Carrington. "It’s been a good ride compared to, of course, the end of August, which was a bit tough result-wise. But I think, personally and club-wise, the results in September were good so September was a good month.

“I’m grateful and thankful for the people voting. I mean I wasn’t sure when I arrived about there being a Player of the Month every month. I think it’s the first club I’ve been at where you have that but, again, it means a connection with the fans and they feel part of it and I am pleased that they voted for me.”

Eriksen is set to take part in his first Manchester derby on Sunday, after continuing his brilliant form while representing Denmark in the UEFA Nations League.

The 30-year-old scored a beauty in the defeat to Croatia before producing a world-class display in the engine room, during a 2-0 victory over France.

www.manutd.com

[Andi Istiabudi]

OUR ERIKSEN INTERVIEW IN FULL

Christian Eriksen followed up his award-winning form for Manchester United in September with some outstanding work for Denmark in the UEFA Nations League.

Our no.14 is approaching the Manchester derby on Sunday appreciating how the growing connection and chemistry with his new team-mates is enabling him to perform at such a high standard in the midfield.

During an exclusive interview at Carrington this week, the popular Dane explained how he feels ready to focus on a big, and exhausting, month for the Reds...

Congratulations on the Player of the Month award, how would you assess your September?
“Yeah, I think September has been nice. It’s been a good ride compared to, of course, the end of August, which was a bit tough result-wise. But I think, personally and club-wise, the results in September were good so September was a good month.”

The fans vote for the award so is it fulfilling to know they’ve taken to you so quickly?
“Definitely. I’m grateful and thankful for the people voting. I mean I wasn’t sure when I arrived about there being a Player of the Month every month. I think it’s the first club I’ve been at where you have that but, again, it means a connection with the fans and they feel part of it and I am pleased that they voted for me.”

The win over Arsenal was a memorable afternoon that will stick in the mind. How did you feel about your particular performance in that game?
“No, I think, as a team in general, we did very well. I think we managed the game pretty well. They played a very good team and are playing very well, Arsenal, but we punished them in the moments that we needed. We scored at the right time to gain control of the game so I think the result was more important than the game in general.”

You were very unselfish in that game [for Marcus Rashford's second strike] – are goals and assists, for you, pretty much the same thing or would you rather score than set up a goal?
“Very even. It always depends on the situation. In a situation like that, for me, it’s a no-brainer to pass it as I thought the chance was even bigger than if I was shooting from there, but I think it’s a bit of both.”

In Moldova, even the home fans seemed to appreciate how you performed – did you feel you played well again?
“I think, again, as a team, we are starting to get even more control in the games we’re playing in. Definitely the one in Moldova, we started well and scored and then the game got a bit easier on our behalf but I think, definitely, the feeling around the club, how you see it, how you read it and how the fans react, the feeling we have on the pitch is going well. The feeling is stronger every game we’re playing, I’m more and more used to my team-mates and the system and everything in general is getting more and more positive.”

Then you’ve carried on your good form while away with Denmark – where would you rank your strike against Croatia among your best goals?
“Goal-wise, very high. Importance-wise, not so much. I think the goal itself was a good one but I didn’t feel like I had the best game. Of course, to score was a confidence boost but it was a lovely goal.”

You’re too modest because you certainly played well in the France game – everyone was purring about your performance – and you’re playing them again at the World Cup…
“We play France very often! In the Nations League, also before in the World Cup, we played against France and now again! No, the game was good for us the other day. It was a nice send-off before the World Cup, to get a good feeling before the World Cup. We know, at the same time, France will be a completely different team when we play them next, with different players compared to what they had, but, for us, as a team, it was a perfect goodbye before the World Cup.”

Have you seen the stat about you creating the most chances in a single Nations League game?
“Yeah, I saw that. Eight but I can’t remember all eight. But no, again, it was how we played that game in general. The team did exceptionally and created a lot of chances, not only from me, but, in general, we did very well.”

Didier Deschamps said he always knew your quality but he was impressed with how durable you are playing all these games consistently at a high level – are you going to need that with these nine games scheduled for October?
“Yeah definitely. Now no more breaks and I can be fully focused on United until the World Cup. It's going to be nice but like you say, it’s going to be tough with a lot of games, recovery and then it's going to be the next game the next day after. So it’s going to be intense. As a football player, I want to play as many games as possible. I feel good, my body feels good and I’m looking forward to it.”

The Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand said he felt your best years on the pitch are still ahead of you, I guess you feel the same…
“Yeah, I feel good. I don’t think anyone really feels about how old they are, they just go with the momentum, how they play at the time or, on the pitch, how the game is evolving. I feel very well. I know I’m 30 but I don’t feel 30.”

Thirty isn’t old anyway! Do you feel with experience it almost becomes easier doing your job in the midfield, as you’re so used to it, particularly when you drop deep and get on the ball?
“Yeah sometimes but again it depends which position you’re playing in and how the team is playing. Obviously, the more you play in one position, the more you get used to it. I’ve always been a player who has played in a lot of different positions so it’s not unusual for me to be around on the pitch. But, no, I mean you get confidence from playing, and if it goes well, then you get more confidence definitely and I feel good.”

We talk a lot about positions but would you describe yourself as a playmaker rather than talk of a no.6 or no.8 as you like to get on the ball and make things happen?
“I don’t know, I’m quite surprised about all the positional things. All the games, even when I was at Spurs, I started as a winger but would often drop down to get the ball, collect it and help the build-up back then so that hasn’t really changed in that sense. Obviously, you start on the pitch in different positions, then it’s how the team play and how the team wants to move, how the manager wants the team to move and then you move from there. I still feel I’m the same player like before maybe I’m a little bit further from goal in some games but it’s not like I haven’t been there before.”

We spoke to Bruno recently and he said you two are developing an understanding in training and in the matches – do you feel you’re dovetailing well?
“Definitely and it doesn’t surprise me. I mean some people see us as very similar players but they probably only look at the stats and don’t see us, the player and the qualities. We have different qualities, a different style of play and, with Bruno and in general, I think I’m learning to get to know all my team-mates better. I also get to know how they run, how they want to have the ball, how they move around and how I move around the pitch for them. We’re starting to get that connection. With Bruno, it’s a good connection and it’s nice to have such a good footballer in front of me.”

City should provide the ultimate test considering how they’ve started this season and performed last term…
“Now it’s going to be a tough test. We’re feeling good and in a good place, really flowing and I’m looking forward to the game. It’s a first derby for me personally, in Manchester, and hopefully it’s going to be a fun game to play in and a fun game to watch.”

It's a busy spell at home and abroad in October, as we’ve said, so how much are you looking forward to it?
“It’ll be very busy and good for the fans. We have a lot of games on TV and a lot in the stadiums. It’s all welcome so it’ll be good. Hopefully, we get some good results and have some good games.”

It might sound a little arrogant to say it but there are certain players who always seem like a United player, and that’s the case with you, even going back to when we played Ajax in the Europa League a decade ago now…
“It is a long time ago, yeah.”

You see players in your mind as a United player. But you’ve fitted in so well do you feel like you’ve been a Manchester United player from the word go?
“No, I do. You say it really well. I think, from my own point of view, it’s only a few months but it feels like I’ve been here longer. It’s to do with the club, the people working for the club, the team. In general, I’ve been made to feel very welcome since day one and I feel at home straight away.”

www.manutd.com

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'It was a VERY bad day at the office': Christian Eriksen claims Man United lacked 'courage' against rivals City after 6-3 thumping at the Etihad... and says Red Devils must 'change a lot' if they are to succeed under Erik ten Hag

* Christian Eriksen claims Manchester United lacked 'courage' in their derby
* Man City picked apart the Red Devils thanks to Erling Haaland and Phil Foden
* The Dane says United must 'change a lot' if they are to improve this year

Christian Eriksen says Manchester United had 'a very bad day at the office' after they were thumped 6-3 rivals City.

Erik ten Hag's side were brushed aside in embarrassing fashion by their local rivals after Phil Foden and Erling Haaland both netted hat-tricks for the hosts.

Brazilian winger Antony and Anthony Martial restored some credibility for United but it wasn't enough - and Eriksen suggests that the club has 'a lot to change' before they see real progress.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Eriksen said: 'It came very heavy. Everyone feels it was a very bad day at the office. We started on the wrong foot. They had chances straight from kick-off. We can only blame ourselves.

'We missed a bit of courage to play out from the back and we let them be at their strength. The main focus from this game will be on ourselves.


Christian Eriksen says Manchester United lacked 'courage' in their 6-3 defeat to rivals City. The Red Devils found themselves 4-0 down at half-time after a rampant City performance

'There are a lot of things we need to change and a lot of things we need to do better. Today was far from acceptable from what we should be doing.'

Man City were in cruise control at half-time with a well-deserved 4-0 lead thanks to goals from Erling Haaland and Phil Foden, both of whom went on to score hattricks.


Eriksen played the full 90 minutes and picked up an assist for United's first goal of the game

Haaland is now a history-maker after scoring his third successive hat-trick at home in the Premier League, continuing his unrivalled and blistering start to his debut campaign at City.

Victory for Guardiola's side saw City reduce the gap between themselves and Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table to just one point, while United remain sixth in the standings, nine points off top spot.

Man City will host Southampton in the Premier League next weekend with United seeking to bounce back with an aChway trip to Everton.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11272447/Christian-Eriksen-claims-Manchester-United-lacked-courage-against-rivals-City-6-3-thumping.html

[Andi Istiabudi]

ERIKSEN: IT WAS FAR FROM ACCEPTABLE

Christian Eriksen gave his thoughts on Manchester United's heavy derby loss to neighbours City, shortly after full time on Sunday.

The Reds were beaten 6-3, with our three goals coming in the second half when the result was already settled.

After being 4-0 down before half-time, Eriksen admitted that it was a 'very bad day at the office' when he spoke to Sky Sports at full-time.

"We started on the wrong foot and they have a lot of chances straight from kick-off," he added.

"I think we can only blame ourselves for not coming into the game at any point.

Even with one of their most important players in Rodri missing, City were still able to stamp their authority in midfield, giving Phil Foden and Erling Haaland a base from which to score hat-tricks.

The Dane's quality did shine through when he played a brilliant crossfield ball for Antony, shortly before the Brazilian curled a wonderful effort beyond Ederson.

Moments like that were few and far between for the Reds, though, with Eriksen believing we focused too much on City as opposed to playing our own game.

"We let them [play to] their strengths," he said.

"The main focus from this game should be on ourselves and there are a lot of things we need to change and a lot of things we need to do better."

In his honest assessment of the game, Eriksen concluded: "Today was far from acceptable."

www.manutd.com

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Christian Eriksen has excelled in a Pirlo-style role at Man United and he was sorely missed in the drab draw with Newcastle... his bright start shows the club might not need to splash out £70m on Frenkie de Jong

* Christian Eriksen has brought grace and style back to Man United's midfield
* The 30-year-old has shown up in big games, including the win over Arsenal
* His career looked over when Inter Milan had to release him after his Euros scare
* But the Eriksen tale has now gone well beyond his health after his start at United
* Eriksen has provided assists and made more than 400 passes from deep

As Frenkie de Jong and Manchester United created the transfer saga of the summer, Christian Eriksen slipped into Old Trafford almost unnoticed on a free.

Judging by the 30-year-old Dane's performances so far, it has all worked out well for Erik ten Hag, and might have saved the Glazers upwards of £70million as well.

Everyone knows Eriksen's back story. Close to death after suffering a cardiac arrest whilst playing for Denmark during Euro 2020, his career looked over when Inter Milan had to release him in the aftermath because of Serie A rules.

Yet to everyone's joy, he was able to resume playing with his former coach Thomas Frank at Brentford and did so well, United and Tottenham wanted him – with Eriksen eventually turning up in the north-west.

But the Eriksen tale has now gone well beyond his health. Purely as a footballer, he has brought grace and style back to United's midfield. He has been able to play the Pirlo-style role that Ten Hag wanted from De Jong but is at his best further up the field, dictating play and creating chances in the final third.


Christian Eriksen has made a superb start to life at Manchester United since joining on a free. United spent most of the summer going after Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong - but may not need him after all

Even if De Jong changes his mind about staying with Barcelona, it's no longer a given United would need him, with Eriksen already bringing technical quality to a team that's made do with McFred in recent years.

Though still awaiting his first United goal, Eriksen has become a cult hero on the Stretford End. He keeps possession effortlessly but can speed the game up when required with a killer pass, as witnessed with his supply to Jadon Sancho for the opener in an important Europa League win away to FC Sheriff.

When he missed his first Premier League game against Newcastle on Sunday, the drop in United's playmaking was evident in a goalless draw. Ten Hag will be keen for him to recover from illness to face his former club Spurs tonight.

Not only is Eriksen himself playing well, he frees others up around him. Scott McTominay in particular has been able to use his athleticism, knowing his team-mate won't lose the ball if he goes on a run.

The Scandinavian has turned up for the big games as well. Against Arsenal, he had a major part in two of the three goals in United's win, spotting the runs of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford and having the class to deliver the right ball.

Not bad for a player who was regarded as an afterthought and primarily a squad player when he rocked up at Old Trafford, not one of the first names on Ten Hag's team sheet.

Things looked ominous when he was hooked after 45 minutes of an embarrassing 4-0 defeat in the second game of the season at Brentford. But when Ten Hag ripped up the playbook after that, it was Harry Maguire, Cristiano Ronaldo and Fred who were sacrificed – building a midfield around Eriksen and McTominay.


Even from a deeper position, Eriksen has provided assists and made more than 400 passes in the Premier League. The playmaker has shown up in the big games for United, including the win over Arsenal

Even from a deeper position, Eriksen has provided assists and made more than 400 passes in the Premier League – a figure bettered at United only by Martinez, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot.

Manchester City are the only Premier League team to have beaten them since the Brentford debacle on August 13 and Eriksen says of his partnership with McTominay: 'We are getting a good connection and feeling where we should be and the positions the manager wants us to be in.'

Part of Eriksen's charm is he can play deeper on the pitch or be more of a No10 if needed.

'We tell him which spaces he has to be in. He can make a game for you but also switch the play (as No6) when needed,' explains Ten Hag.

'If he sees the final pass between the lines he can do that. What he can also improve is his defending.'

That is probably the one Achilles heel, against the very best like City, Eriksen doesn't smell danger instinctively. But United now have Casemiro 100 per cent match-sharp if they want an out-and-out holder.

Ten Hag's blueprint when he took the United job was to play out from the back with De Jong the link between defenders and forwards.

The inability to sign De Jong, coupled with David de Gea's lack of confidence on the ball, means the Dutch manager has adapted with more long balls played than he would have originally envisaged.

But by utilising Eriksen's versatility – he is known as a playmaker but can fill the De Jong position and keep United's play ticking over – Ten Hag has been able to make progress and exploit the ball-playing of central defender Lisandro Martinez.


United fans will be excited at the prospect of Eriksen playing alongside Casemiro in midfield

Perhaps the greatest compliment is from the manager he's up against on Wednesday night, Antonio Conte.

The pair won Serie A together with Inter and Conte would have liked a reunion at Spurs, but lost out to United.

'For sure Christian is a player I enjoyed working with and he's a player I would like to train again, to have him in my squad,' said Conte.

The failure of United pursuing De Jong and not getting a deal over the line no longer looks as disastrous as it did a couple of months ago.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11328249/JOE-BERNSTEIN-Christian-Eriksen-excelled-Pirlo-style-role-Man-United.html?ico=topics_pagination_desktop

[zudomiriku]

Christian Eriksen believes Manchester United are 'on the right path' with manager Erik ten Hag after claiming a spirited draw at Chelsea amid the Cristiano Ronaldo furore

* Casemiro 's 93rd-minute header earned a priceless point at Stamford Bridge
* It was an important show of spirit and character from Ten Hag's side on Sunday
* It came after Ronaldo was banished from the squad for Chelsea clash

Christian Eriksen claimed Manchester United are 'on the right path' with Erik ten Hag after securing a spirited draw at Chelsea.

The midfielder was buoyant after Casemiro's 93rd-minute header earned a priceless point at Stamford Bridge amid the Cristiano Ronaldo furore.

It was an important show of spirit and character in the aftermath of Ronaldo being banished from the squad for Sunday's clash for refusing to come on as a sub in the midweek win over Tottenham.

'It does feel like a big relief compared to the six minutes before with the penalty against, it was a big blow,' the Denmark international told the club's official website.

'But, obviously, it shows the character and what a nice header.

'It was [a cracking header] – a very strong neck! [Smiles] A very strong neck to get the ball over there, a very nice goal,' he added.

The late equaliser sparked wild celebrations among the players and fans.


Christian Eriksen believes Manchester United are 'on the right path' with Erik ten Hag. Manchester United snatched a point at Stamford Bridge thanks to an injury time equaliser

'I think that's what the fans want to go to the stadium for, that's what we as players want to achieve,' said Eriksen.

'We want to entertain and score goals and celebrate with the fans. Like you said, it was perfect timing to score at that end, to celebrate with the fans.'

Eriksen felt the Reds should have capitalised on a strong showing in the first half.

He added: 'Most the first half, I think we played very well.

'We created chances and really were more dominant than they were. So yeah, I do think we should have made it easier for ourselves in the first half with a goal or two.'

Eriksen said the commanding performance in the midweek win over Tottenham, coupled with draws with Newcastle and Chelsea, suggested the Reds were moving in the right direction under Ten Hag.

'We always aim to be better than what we have if we don't have nine points, but I think overall, we can be proud of what we achieved,' he explained.

'Wednesday was a big performance and to top it up today would have been perfect, but we are on the right path to something that's going to be a lot more fun than where we are.'

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11346937/Eriksen-believes-Man-United-right-path-Ten-Hag-spirited-draw-Chelsea.html