Christian Eriksen explains why he has been dropped by Erik ten Hag

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Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen was a regular in the starting line-up last season.

As one of Erik ten Hag‘s first signings, the Dane took up a key role in midfield, starting 25 Premier League games, a decent return considering he missed just over two months with injury.

This season he has not been as involved. Out of a possible eight Premier League games he has been selected to start just three.

Christian Eriksen was on the bench at the weekend, brought on as a second half substitute in the narrow win over Brentford.

Christian Eriksen explains his changing role

Christian Eriksen is currently on international duty with Denmark where he retains a very important starting role, with 124 caps to his name.

Eriksen spoke to Danish newspaper Ekstrabladet and was asked about Manchester United’s start to the season, and his role in the team.

He explained that he believes a tactical shift from the manager has led to his playing time decreasing.

Eriksen said: “I think you should ask the coach what he thinks. We have been hit hard by injuries in defence. We have simply conceded too many goals.

“I was sick last week, but I’m doing fine. I don’t have any flaws. The body feels good and of course I want to play every game.

“But if you have seen the matches yourself, you may also see that (ten Hag) plays with slightly different types than me.”

Erik ten Hag is trying to introduce a more energetic, pressing approach, signing Mason Mount and also turning to youngster Hannibal Mejbri.

The mix has not quite been right so far, with lots of changing, while new signing Sofyan Amrabat started his first game in midfield at the weekend.

Eriksen may have different role

Eriksen has been used as an impact substitute in recent games, and his role has echoed that of Juan Mata in his latter years at the club.

This was what many United fans expected from Eriksen when he signed, and early last season was such a pleasant surprise when he starred in a deeper role as a starter.

The problem has arisen with his injury, as he has not come back looking like quite the same player.

Ekstrabladet describe Erik ten Hag’s preferences as ‘physical over technical’. It’s up to Eriksen to demonstrate that physically, he can still hang.