With Bruno Fernandes ruled him out against Jose Mourinho Fenerbahce, another Manchester United midfielder is likely to play a leading role in Thursday’s Europa League clash.
And, even while shorn of his captain’s playmaking services, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is confident that his Red Devils team will still find a way to unlock a typically organised Mourinho rearguard.
Christian Eriksen has, after all, enjoyed quite the renaissance in recent weeks.
Yes, Eriksen endured a mixed evening as Man United collapsed against FC Twente on matchday one. He scored the opener in stunning style before gift-wrapping the visitor’s equaliser later on.
But, as United look to finally get a first European win of 2024/25 on the board, Ten Hag is convinced that Eriksen can put that nightmare moment in matchday one behind him and step up in the absence of a suspended Bruno Fernandes.
Erik ten Hag highlights importance of Christian Eriksen to Manchester United
“He’s often performed very well, but he had a couple of injuries. And that doesn’t help of course,” Ten Hag tells TNT Sports in the build up to Thursday’s clash at the always-raucous Sukru Sarakoclu Stadium.
“But everyone believes in his qualities.”
Those ‘qualities’, Ten Hag adds, include Eriksen’s ability to unpick even the tightest of locks.
In nine appearances, a player who worked under Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho at Tottenham Hotspur has six goal involvements this term. Three goals – two of those coming in the 7-0 EFL Cup obliteration oF Barnsley – and three assists.
With Fernandes unavailable and Kobbie Mainoo injured, Eriksen is likely to be tasked with taking on the role of United’s chief creator in Istanbul.
“We need his qualities because he can link the game. He is a creative player and can create chances for us,” Ten Hag adds. “And, obviously, that’s what every team needs.
“There are not so many players who have the qualities and abilities of Christian Eriksen.”
- READ MORE: Who is Christian Eriksen? Inside the life of Manchester United’s creative Danish midfielder
Eriksen discusses United future as contract runs down
Ten Hag has quite the habit of relying on players he had previously shunted to the periphery.
Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay both could have joined West Ham in the summer of 2023, only to stay put and help save the Dutchman’s bacon.
Meanwhile, Eriksen would have been allowed to leave Man United in this year’s off-season had either he or the Premier League giants received an offer tempting enough.
Anderlecht ruled themselves out of signing the ex-Inter Milan ace due to concerns over his wage demands, while Eriksen himself had little interest in moving to Saudi Arabia or America.
With his contract expiring in 2025, however, it was inevitable that Eriksen would once again be asked about his future at Old Trafford during his own pre-match discussion with the media.
“It’s not really up to me when my contract runs out. It’s up to the club,” Eriksen says.
“I have really enjoyed my time at the club and still do. When the summer comes, if the offer is there, I will definitely take it seriously.”
Eriksen feels there is a more positive atmosphere in Man United’s camp these days, meanwhile. Saturday’s comeback win over Brentford – secured by compatriot Rasmus Hojlund – helped ease some of the gloom.
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