After being deployed from the off in tonight’s Europa League clash vs FC Twente, Christian Eriksen is now on a run of four successive Manchester United starts in all competitions.
Indeed, the experienced Dane has enjoyed his busiest month at club level in 12 months, and nobody could argue that he hasn’t deserved it.
While expectedly past his peak, Eriksen was called upon after Casemiro’s decline became too prominent to overlook. He was at fault for two of Liverpool’s goals in United’s 3-0 defeat at the beginning of the month, consequently being hooked at half-time. As a result, he featured for only three minutes in the subsequent win over Southampton before being benched for the entirety of last weekend’s 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.
Nonetheless, fans had expected to see Eriksen’s stint in the XI come to an end when Manuel Ugarte was deemed available for selection – but he is still awaiting his maiden Premier League start since joining on deadline day last month. The club are also thought to be adopting a cautionary approach with Kobbie Mainoo’s game time this season amidst fears of the teenager burning out following a hectic nine months of senior action.
Eriksen has transformed United, claims Scholes
Paul Scholes is pleased to see the 32-year-old – previously hailed as ‘magnificent’ by his manager – utilised while it lasts, though. Speaking on today’s release of The Overlap Fan Debate, he told the panel: “In those first three games (of the season), he didn’t play. And we were all over the place. I think Eriksen does still bring that little bit of control.
“He just probably can’t play the full 90 minutes [though], so there is a problem there.”
