The fact that Manchester United couldn't stand their own against Fulham on Sunday evening during their Emirates FA Cup clash until the Cottagers saw two of their key players and their manager Marco Silva sent off in the 73rd minute can't be hidden, meaning Erik Ten Hag's side still have a lot to do regarding building their team.
Although they are in the first year of the project, they have made significant strides in the right direction. grinding out results even when games aren't going in their favor, dominating teams, and as well having a trophy to show for their efforts. However, Erik Ten Hag, if he is being honest with himself, can say his side still needs revamping.
One player that Manchester United always seem to struggle with in his absence is Casemiro, the Brazilian, who has made himself a pivotal part of Erik Ten Hag's setup since his arrival from Santiago Bernabeu. While his efforts, work rate, goals, and assists are very much appreciated as he has exceeded expectations at Old Trafford, one player Man United's faithful seem not to notice how much Manchester United have struggled in his absence: Christian Eriksen.
The Dane, who arrived for free in the summer of 2022, has been out of action since late January after picking up an injury against Reading in the Emirates FA Cup. He is set to return to the squad in April after his rehabilitation from an ankle injury is complete.
Man United's fans can be forgiven if they didn't notice how their team struggles to build up possession from the back since Christian Eriksen's injury. Casemiro had taken it upon himself to help out with creativity, and his six assists this season are proof, but the fact that Erik Ten Hag's side can't move the ball from the back to the front without losing possession is a huge problem.
Christian Eriksen has always provided that creative spark in the middle whenever he is on the pitch, something Fred and Scott McTominay clearly lack. The former, however, has been great this season with his goal contributions but has failed in his primary role in the midfield. Scott McTominay's physique is the only attribute that could be of value to Erik Ten Hag, although recent games he has played since returning from injury show the 26-year-old has tried to give decent displays but is still not close to Eriksen's.
Much can't be said about Bayern Munich loanee Marcel Sabitzer, as the Austrian has not really gotten plenty of game time since his arrival but has rather shown flashes of what he can offer while he plays.
Christian Eriksen's only weaknesses are his lack of physique and pace, but he embodies everything a manager would want in a midfielder; he loves to play with the ball at his feet, has vision when it comes to creativity, and has developed a real understanding with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in the middle.
Although Erik Ten Hag has built his side into a transitional attacking style of football rather than the possession-based football he played at Ajax, Manchester United has struggled to beat teams who are diligent in defense and doesn't allow the Red Devils the liberty of dictating games, which is exactly why Christian Eriksen is missed.
Erik Ten Hag has tried to solve that in recent games by moving Bruno Fernandes into a deeper role to carry out Christian Eriksen's duties, and his side could definitely count themselves lucky with how things played out at Old Trafford on Sunday evening against Fulham.
While the team's effort can't be underappreciated this season, Erik Ten Hag still lacks the players he needs to implement his playing style. Injury records haven't been great either, but Erik Ten Hag will certainly utilize the upcoming summer transfer window to bring in his choice of players as well as good replacements for key players like Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.
Post a Comment