Top level footballers can often be placed in no-win situations when lined up against so-called minnows. Even Sir Alex Ferguson’s sides endured a frustrating FA Cup result against Exeter back in 2005, with the Premier League powerhouses drawing 0-0 at Old Trafford.
And then when Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney struck to seal a 2-0 victory in the replay, there was still no credit to go around. They simply did what was expected, the minimum. Even with a win, they couldn’t really win.
There might not be much credit to go United’s way following the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City next month either. Erik ten Hag‘s side will be overwhelming favourites.
One player who Ten Hag can rely on, is a player who last night proved he can truly dominate against a low-ranked team.
Christian Eriksen‘s display against the Faroe Islands was his best performance of 2024 for club and country.
How Christian Eriksen fared for Denmark
Denmark had hoped to blow the Faroe Islands away, in their friendly against the 135th ranked international team in the world.
They were so confident they left Manchester United duo Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund on the bench.
After going 1-0 up in the eighth minute, the floodgates failed to open. Christian Eriksen was sent on at half-time.
Within just seven minutes, Eriksen had an impact, providing an assist to fellow substitute Mohamed Daramy.
While the game ended 2-0, a further lack of goals was not for a lack of trying on Eriksen’s part.
Eriksen created five goalscoring chances, more than any player on the pitch. It was a dominant performance, putting up the type of numbers beyond most midfielders during a 90 minute match.
And yes, it was ‘only’ the Faroe Islands, but Eriksen showed he can still step up and deliver. He saw plenty of the ball, with 61 touches in 45 minutes.
Eriksen has not played much this year, making only one start, and two substitute appearances. One of these was in the victory over Liverpool, where he looked bright, and he might just be rounding into form at a good time.
Reaction to Christian Eriksen performance
The reaction to Christian Eriksen’s performance against Switzerland at the weekend was lukewarm, with ‘higher expectations’ cited, from a nation who know what he was capable of.
Last night he was in a no-win situation, yet was able to step up and contribute in a meaningful manner. That will put a smile on the 32-year-old’s face, who should be motivated to impress for United, and ensure he arrives at Euro 2024 in top form.
Tipsbladet’s view was that the Manchester United midfielder can still reach another level, but admired his performance.
Their assessment read: “A hungry Christian Eriksen came on to prove his worth in the Danish national team. It wasn’t the Christian Eriksen we know from before, but it was a nice assist.”
Hungry was an apt description. It was the display of a player keen to make an impression, who has been starved of regular club football.
With three games upcoming against Brentford, Chelsea and Liverpool during an eight-game span, Eriksen will get some playing time. None of these teams are the Faroe Islands, but he will head into these matches in a positive mindset after his display last night.
READ MORE: Join the conversation with the United in Focus Whatsapp group
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
