Pranav Kannan
Christian Eriksen embraces the number 8 role at Manchester United
Speaking in an interview with Danish outlet Politiken as quoted by Mirror, Manchester United star signing Christian Eriksen has revealed that after a lot of uncertainty regarding his position at the club, playing as a number 8 in the last few games is suiting him really well.
Eriksen has been rather impressive for Manchester United in his short time at the club and has really settled in well to provide the creative spark from midfield that the Red Devils really needed, ever since Paul Pogba left the club.
Initially, though, it was not all plain sailing for the Danish playmaker though, who found himself being deployed in positions that he is not really comfortable with. However, Erik ten Hag quickly restored him back to his favourite position which is bringing the best in him.
Eriksen played as a false nine in Manchester United’s Premier League opener against Brighton in a match that the Red Devils eventually lost to Graham Potter’s side. Whilst the Dane was not the worst player on the pitch, he did not exert much influence on the pitch.
The same cannot be said about the second game against Brentford though. In a match that Manchester United got completely annihilated, Eriksen was responsible for a number of goals that the Red Devils conceded that day.
Erik ten Hag played Christian Eriksen as the deepest midfielder, almost like a 6 that day and the former Tottenham star really struggled to play as the sole pivot. Although he is good at dropping deep and distributing play, he was not able to play as the sole-holding midfielder.
Speaking about his role in the Manchester United team, Eriksen admits that he is far more comfortable now than he was before.
“I played many different positions in a very short time. First a little striker and then down in defensive midfield. In recent matches, I have played as an 8, and it suits me very well. It’s great that we’ve come back on top with wins, which have been good for us and created a bit of confidence.”
After a rather sloppy start to the season, Manchester United have shown an upturn in fortune in recent weeks, with their performances also on a constant upwards trend. The Red Devils have managed to beat both Liverpool and Arsenal during this period.
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Eriksen can be a key player in Erik ten Hag’s system. If he can continue playing just the way he is right now, this could turn out to be a transfer coup by the Red Devils.
