Erik ten Hag hints at starting ‘important’ Man Utd star vs Brentford | OneFootball

Manchester United are set to face Brentford in the Premier League at Old Trafford tomorrow.

Ahead of the clash, Erik ten Hag has hinted that Christian Eriksen could start in midfield.

Ten Hag said (via ManUtd.com): “He (Eriksen) faced some injuries in the first year, but already he was very important, as he was last season.

“But then also coming up was Kobbie (Mainoo), but then, lately, he proved himself – in the team and also together with Kobbie, that can be a very good couple.

“Unlucky now it’s fallen apart [that partnership due to Kobbie’s injury] for the coming weeks but it’s clear, he has a good season so far.

“He’s important for the team with his contribution in linking key passes, being creative, composed and calm. I’m very happy with his performances so far in the season.”

Mainoo and Mason Mount are ruled out for tomorrow’s clash due to injuries.

There are concerns regarding Manuel Ugarte, who was substituted late on international duty with a possible injury.

Casemiro could return to the line-up in the number six role if he is not fit.

Christian Eriksen is in fine form

Eriksen has bagged three goals and three assists in eight games across competitions for United.

However, none of those goal contributions have come in the Premier League.

His midweek performance was stellar as he scored and assisted in Denmark’s 2-2 draw with Switzerland.

Eriksen has been heavily involved in the last few games. With only 12 months left in his contract, he was linked with an exit in the summer.

He currently earns £150,000 per week, and it seems less likely that he will be offered a new deal.

Eriksen offers creativity and incisive passing from the number eight position.

His natural instinct of passing the ball forward and looking for options in the final third aids United.

In the absence of Mainoo and Mount, Eriksen is an automatic starter in the two-man midfield.

However, Ten Hag must be wary of his shortcomings. The veteran midfielder does not have the legs to cover every blade of grass.

This allows the opposition to exploit space between United’s midfield and defence.

United fans will be hoping Eriksen can maintain his impressive attacking form while stepping up his defensive work rate to bolster the team’s efforts on both ends of the pitch.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & capology.com.

The post Three goals, three assists: Erik ten Hag hints at starting ‘important’ £150,000 p/w Man Utd star vs Brentford first appeared on Man Utd News.