The international break has given many stars a much-needed break from the malaise of Manchester United and some are taking full advantage of it.
Bruno Fernandes looks close to his best for Portugal, while Diogo Dalot got a rare rest, and the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee, and Lisandro Martinez have also played limited minutes.
Therefore, not only are the players getting back to some form, a few are also getting some rest ahead of another intense sprint before the third international break in November.
Meanwhile, for Christian Eriksen, nothing changes with the jersey he’s wearing as he continues to do the same for Denmark what he’s been shockingly doing for Man Utd this season.
His team came up against Switzerland in their last game of the international break and Eriksen was at it again.
Christian Eriksen takes Man Utd form to Denmark
If a team has won just three out of 11 games across all competitions, there aren’t many players who can hold their heads high.
However, in that shortlist, this season’s surprise success story Eriksen is definitely one.
The Danish playmaker, usually known for his calm passing and accurate set-pieces, has suddenly morphed into a goalscoring threat this season.
With three goals and three assists in all competitions for United, Eriksen already is among the top contributors for Man Utd this year.
When Denmark took on Switzerland in a tricky away game, he took his United form to international level, scoring one and assisting another in a 2-2 draw.
The Dane was the creative heartbeat of his team as he finished the game as the best player on the pitch even beyond his goal and assist.
He created three chances, won all three of his duels, had four shots, and even helped out in defence with four recoveries and winning both his attempted tackles.
Eriksen had remained a crucial part of the Danish side even when he wasn’t a regular first-teamer at Old Trafford so it is perhaps no surprise that a match-fit Eriksen is an even bigger difference-maker.
Eriksen’s ideal role at Man Utd
Erik ten Hag can borrow some lessons from how the Denmark team uses Eriksen to maximum effect to get the most out of him.
Instead of starting in a deep pivot and being relied upon to do heavy defensive work and run back toward his own goal, he starts alongside an energetic defensive midfielder.
It was Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg vs Switzerland in a 3-4-3 formation that gave him plenty of cover around him who could do the running for him.
Even United have a like-for-like replacement in Manuel Ugarte with a similar skill set but for some reason, Ten Hag hasn’t been able to make things click.
If every player struggling in the Man United squad goes to their national team and suddenly finds form, it reflects badly on the Man Utd coaching staff and Ten Hag in particular.
Now, even the player who was impressing at the club goes on to impress for his national side further making it clear that the player is going through a purple patch. It’s got nothing to do with Ten Hag’s system.
The Man Utd lineup for the Brentford game should be an interesting watch!
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
