Manchester United

Erik ten Hag insists Christian Eriksen remains a vital player for Manchester United

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 23 October 2023

Ten Hag insists Eriksen remains a vital player for Man United

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says that Christian Eriksen remains a "very important" player for the club despite his lack of starts in recent weeks.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has insisted that Christian Eriksen remains a "very important" player for the club despite his lack of starts in recent weeks.

The 31-year-old has only started three times in the Premier League this season, and he was again overlooked for a spot in the XI on Saturday against Sheffield United despite the fact that Casemiro was injured.

Scott McTominay featured alongside Sofyan Amrabat in central midfield in Saturday's 2-1 win over the Blades, and Casemiro is now back to fitness, but he will not be involved against Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday evening due to suspension.

Bruno Fernandes is a certain starter, while Mason Mount, Donny van de Beek and Hannibal Mejbri are also options in the middle of midfield.

Kobbie Mainoo is also closing in on a return from an ankle injury, with the 18-year-old expected to be used on a regular basis by Ten Hag this season.

Bayern Munich's Harry Kane in action with Manchester United's Christian Eriksen on September 20, 2023 © Reuters

Eriksen has made 10 appearances this season, scoring once and providing one assist, and Ten Hag has insisted that the Denmark international remains a vital player for the club.

"Definitely [he was on the bench] but he takes part in every game. You see his importance when he is on the pitch he has a big influence on our team by creating," Ten Hag told reporters during his press conference on Monday.

"He is a great player, he is a brilliant player and is very important for our squad. We have many good players. We don't have a squad with 11. We have a squad where there is internal competition and in the back we have some struggle to line up.

"We don't have so many numbers but in the midfield department there is huge competition internally in our squad."

Eriksen penned a three-year deal at Old Trafford upon his arrival on a free transfer last summer, with his contract therefore having another two years left to run.

Manchester United's Christian Eriksen with Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay during training on September 19, 2023 © Reuters

Ten Hag also said that he is expecting a "very emotional evening" at Old Trafford on Tuesday in the club's first home game since the passing of the legendary Sir Bobby Charlton.

"I think it is always special every night in Old Trafford. The fans are always so behind us and always a strong bond. Remember the last home game against Brentford, even when the game is not going in our direction, they stayed behind us," he said.

"In difficult moments, in moments when there is adversity around Manchester United the fans are still with us and we are with the fans. We are fighting together.

"Definitely tomorrow, after the passing away of Sir Bobby Charlton - their hero, their legend, a giant, I am sure that [it ] will be even more very emotional [tomorrow] evening. I expect [that] tomorrow night."

Man United are in desperate need of all three points on Tuesday evening, having lost their opening two Champions League fixtures this season to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.