Ready to take on Palace 👊🇾🇪#MUFC || #CRYMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 21, 2024
Erik ten Hag’s decision to start Christian Eriksen in the heart of midfield against Crystal Palace is a baffling move considering that the Dane will now start his 3rd game in a week and the fact that Ugarte, United’s summer signing is now available. The move has sparked concerns of déjà vu after United’s disastrous 3-0 loss to Liverpool, where an exposed midfield left them vulnerable to counterattacks and heavy pressing. With Eriksen’s lack of mobility and defensive ability, the same cracks in United’s midfield will begin to show.
Why Eriksen is the Problem in United’s Midfield Setup
While Eriksen remains a creative force, his defensive positioning and pace off the ball continue to be points of contention. Against Liverpool, United’s midfield, with Casemiro playing alongside Mainoo struggled to get the ball out to the attacking players. Now Eriksen is a much better player on the ball but he will be offered the same level of protection as Casemiro was offered because Ten Hag’s insistence to play only 2 in midfield.
The concern for United fans is whether history will repeat itself against a physically dominant Crystal Palace. Palace has been a thorn in United’s side before, and with Eriksen in the starting lineup again, it leaves United’s midfield vulnerable to quick transitions and counterattacks.
A Risk Too Big? The Absence of Ugarte
Ten Hag’s refusal to start a more defensive-minded player like Ugarte alongside Mainoo has raised eyebrows. Ugarte’s physicality and ability to break up play would have given United more control in midfield. Instead, Eriksen’s presence means that Mainoo will likely be left to cover a lot of ground — a dangerous situation, especially with Palace’s attacking threats.
Liverpool Defeat a Stark Warning
In United’s 3-0 loss to Liverpool this season, the midfield was completely bypassed, with Casemiro struggling to track back or provide any defensive stability. His inability to carry the ball out from deep quickly allowed Liverpool to run riot in the middle of the park. Although United’s defense was also shaky, the lack of midfield protection made it impossible to contain Liverpool’s fluid attack.
The parallels between that performance and today’s starting lineup against Crystal Palace are alarming. Eriksen, for all his brilliance on the ball, simply cannot cover the defensive duties required in a system that often demands intense pressing and quick recoveries.
Why Ten Hag’s Eriksen Gamble Could Backfire Again
Ten Hag’s decision to stick with Eriksen could cost United dearly. Palace may not be on the same level as Liverpool, but they are known for their physicality and quick counterattacks. Eriksen’s inclusion in midfield once again raises the specter of an open and disjointed middle third, which could see United overrun and outpaced.
United fans, still smarting from the Liverpool thrashing, have every right to be concerned that Eriksen’s inclusion in this starting lineup is a step backward. If Ten Hag fails to address this issue, United’s midfield could once again be their undoing.
