A key flaw in Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United was exposed against Newcastle

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Manchester United were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Newcastle on Sunday on a frustrating afternoon.

United were undeniably harshly treated by harsh refereeing decisions which saw a goal ruled out and a clear penalty appear denied.

But this was not a strong performance from the home side, with a key weakness in Erik ten Hag’s set up exposed in the stalemate; a reliance on Christian Eriksen.

Eriksen missed the game due to an illness, Ten Hag explained prior to kick-off.

United reliant on Eriksen

This was the first Premier League match Christian Eriksen has missed all season. Manchester United looked considerably less effective without him.

The Dane has exceeded expectations at United so far, playing at a high level, and this has led to Ten Hag making him an integral part of his starting XI.

His absence against Newcastle was a blow, after United had rested him against Omonia for the first 70 minutes on Thursday night.

More striking was the fact Eriksen’s replacement, Fred, is a very different type of player and United look worse when he is in the line-up.

Fred is more of a chaotic and disruptive force, rather than a creative schemer capable of controlling games, and we saw this against both Newcastle and Omonia.

The Brazilian is a clear downgrade on Eriksen, and it’s clear why Ten Hag has chosen not to rotate in the Premier League, until this past weekend when the decision was forced on him.

Some supporters would have liked to see youngster Zidane Iqbal given a chance in the second half. Fellow teenager Kobbie Mainoo was even named on the bench.

Ten Hag did not agree this was the right moment, but only a lack of experienced midfield alternatives kept Fred on the pitch, with Scott McTominay out suspended.

As soon as Christian Eriksen is fit, he will walk back into Manchester United’s starting line-up, and the team’s chances of winning will increase.

Without him, the team simply don’t look as strong, and this reliance on the Dane is a flaw in Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United the manager will want to find a solution for.