New United signing must replace under performer vs Bayern who had just 46 touches

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One player in particular seemingly struggled more than most during Manchester United’s 4-3 defeat to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

The way in which United were being cut through in midfield throughout the game is surely a concern for Erik Ten Hag and one player, more than most, struggled.

Christian Eriksen started the game in midfield alongside Casemiro but the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder was unable to make an impact.

Casemiro, too, also found it difficult to control the game but his two goals made up for his lacklustre defending.

Eriksen’s struggles

The Danish midfielder started in the number eight position, similar to the position he predominantly played in last season, but was comfortably overrun throughout.

The midfielder had just 46 touches throughout the game, according to Sofascore. His good ball retention has been cited as one of the main reasons for his deployment in midfield alongside the former Real Madrid midfielder.

And while he wasn’t careless, completing 30 of 36 passes, he simply didn’t see enough of the ball and was frequently left chasing Bayern’s midfield.

The good thing for United and indeed Ten Hag is that one summer signing is seemingly on his way to returning to the United squad and finally making his debut.

Importance of Amrabat

The importance of Sofyan Amrabat finally coming into the first-team fold and anchoring the midfielder alongside Casemiro may well be just the tonic that the team needs during these tough times.

Amrabat has composure, defensive solidity and a great engine to get around the pitch. With Eriksen, the midfielder is just not suited to a deeper role against strong opposition and should be playing further forward, which is difficult considering Bruno Fernandes’ untouchable position in the United first team and indeed his captain status.

One concern, in particular, would be how many goals United concedes from cutbacks or by midfield runners going beyond the United defensive line.

For the second goal, Casemiro and Eriksen failed to track the runners and Gnabry was there to slot in past Onana. Danny Welbeck scored a similar goal, as did Pascal Gross.

This issue is becoming a big one for Ten Hag and the hope is that the introduction of Amrabat could be the difference.