A quickfire one-two punch from Manchester United has brought them back into the transfer game. After spending a terribly quiet June, the Red Devils have made two signings in the opening week of July.
Tyrell Malacia arrived from Feyenoord to beef up the defence, before the big fish. Christian Eriksen has joined on a free transfer after his contract expired with Brentford. The former Spurs hero was in talks with a few clubs, before eventually joining United.
This transfer is all the more important given a slew of departures in the midfield department. How will the Danish magician fare at Old Trafford? Can he form a partnership with Bruno Fernandes? FootTheBall answers the most burning questions surrounding this move.
Christian Eriksen playing style and analysis
One of the most important puzzles will be how to fit Eriksen in the lineup. Erik ten Hag lined up Ajax in a 4-3-1-2 or 4-1-2-1-2 formation. That would mean Bruno Fernandes in the number 10 role, with Eriksen behind him in the three-man midfield. It is a role that he has played in with Brentford.
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The Bees deployed a 3-5-2, and Eriksen was one of the most more advanced midfielders. Will United offer him the same freedom? It depends. If Erik ten Hag does go for a midfield four of Fernandes, Eriksen, Fred, and Scott McTominay, then the 30-year-old would be an advanced midfielder.
🔎 | FOCUS
Despite not playing in the EPL between Jan 2020 and Feb 2022, Christian Eriksen still ranks in the top 5 in these categories across the last 7 seasons:
🅰️ 56 assists (2nd)
🎁 62 big chances created (5th)
🔑 456 key passes (2nd)Coming soon to Manchester United. 🇩🇰 pic.twitter.com/G9gi313AXW
— SofaScore (@SofaScoreINT) July 4, 2022
However, it could also be very likely that Eriksen starts from the bench for some matches. Donny Van de Beek struggled for game time, before eventually heading out on loan. Of course, him and Eriksen have had different careers, but they play almost the same position.
Eriksen will not be expected to contribute defensively, meaning the midfield double pivot will be same old. However, if the Fred and McTominay duo cannot get it done, Eriksen will have to halt his advances.
Grade: A
Christian Eriksen stats
Eriksen did not play in the first half of the 2021-22 season after collapsing with a heart…
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