Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has given his backing to midfield star Christian Eriksen.
This week Manchester United will face Danish side FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.
Along with star striker Rasmus Hojlund, there is lots of attention on long-serving Denmark international Christian Eriksen.
At the manager’s press conference, Erik ten Hag was asked by a Danish reporter why Christian Eriksen is not starting games.
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Erik ten Hag backs Christian Eriksen
Christian Eriksen has started only four matches in all competitions for Manchester United this season.
His last start for Manchester United was in the 4-3 defeat to Bayern Munich back on September, and in the Premier League, the 3-1 loss to Brighton.
Ten Hag was quizzed at his press conference why Eriksen is not starting games, and asked point blank if he is ‘not good enough to start’.
The Manchester United manager responded: “He takes part in every game, you see his importance when he is on the pitch, he has a big influence on the team by creating.
“He’s a great player he’s a brilliant player, he’s very important for our squad.”
Pressed further about a starting role for Eriksen, Ten Hag added: “We have many players. In midfield there is huge competition, internal in our squad.”
Eriksen has chance to start
Casemiro will miss Manchester United’s game this week due to suspension. That creates an opportunity for Eriksen to come into the side.
He didn’t start at the weekend, but this home fixture is one which might suit him a lot more than a tricky away tie.
United are expected to see plenty of the ball at home and Eriksen’s ability in possession and creating chances could make the difference this week.
It is an opportunity for him to earn a starting spot against Manchester City at the weekend, however, new signing Mason Mount will also be pushing for a role too.
This is part of the key reason Eriksen has not seen as much playing time this season, Mount has come in as his replacement.
And it is testament to United’s midfield strength in depth that neither Mount, Eriksen, Casemiro, or Hannibal or Kobbie Mainoo started at the weekend – but while there are lots of variable combinations – Erik ten Hag is yet to find the right one.
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