Erik ten Hag and Marcus Rashford were left waxing lyrical about Christian Eriksen after Manchester United ’s victory over Aston Villa on Thursday.
The Red Devils found themselves 2-1 down with half an hour left to play of the Carabao Cup tie as Diogo Dalot put through his own net. The introduction of Danish playmaker Eriksen proved to be a masterstroke as goals from Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay saw United book their place in the next round and earn revenge for their Premier League defeat at the weekend.
Ten Hag pointed to the introduction of his summer signing as a turning point having identified a clear weakness in his side. Speaking to Sky Sports after the final whistle, he said: “They [Aston Villa] play with a high line so you have to pass the ball behind and we were quite successful in the second half.
“The problem in the first half was that we had too many touches and missed the moment to pass the ball behind. That’s why we brought Christian Eriksen on. I’m really happy with that resilience.
“That’s what we need and have to show every game. I was so disappointed and mad on Sunday because we didn’t fight. We were sloppy, especially in the defence and United players always have to show 100% discipline.”
Whilst Ten Hag was left impressed with Eriksen’s contributions, the Dane’s performance did also not go unnoticed by his team-mates. Rashford - the scorer of the equaliser - praised the 30-year-old for his showing, describing him as a “top player”.
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The Red Devils’ striker said: “It’s the quality in the passes, the calmness, he’s a top player. We’re always making runs at a high tempo. We need someone on the ball who can just slow it down and see the picture and play the passes.
“His [Eriksen’s] technical ability is the same as Bruno on the ball and we just have to give them options. We have to make runs and we have to have that belief that they’ll find us.
“I think we have had that this season, not every game it’s come off but the more times we make the options the more times it’s going to come off.”
Eriksen has certainly enjoyed a bright start to life at Old Trafford following his arrival from Brentford on a free transfer in the summer. He has made 19 appearances in all competitions so far, notching five assists.
His form as a United player has been good enough to see the midfielder earn a place in the Denmark squad for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar. It will signal his first return to a major international competition since his shocking collapse at Euro 2020.
Kasper Hjulmand’s men kick-off their campaign against Tunisia before facing France and Australia as they attempt to get out of Group D.
