Ten Hag must drop Man Utd star despite impressive performances | OneFootball

Manchester United visit Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.

Christian Eriksen earned his first start of the campaign in the 3-0 victory over Southampton last weekend.

He kept his starting spot in the resounding 7-0 victory over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup third round in midweek.

Eriksen played a critical role in both games, misplacing only five of his 99 passes.

He bagged a brace and recorded an assist against Barnsley. He played four key passes and lost possession only 11 times.

These impressive statistics are robust enough to warrant giving him another starting spot.

However, manager Erik ten Hag must drop Eriksen to the bench on Saturday.

The 32-year-old does not have the legs to consistently do justice to the number eight role in Ten Hag’s system.

He has shown signs of regression over the past year. He has excellent creative vision, but United need a midfielder who can also do the defensive work.

Eriksen acknowledged that playing every week can be challenging and expressed that he would not mind taking a rest.

Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes are expected to return to the starting XI.

Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are in a battle for the number six spot. The latter could make his full debut after making a positive impression in midweek.

Eriksen could be used as a substitute if United look to add more creativity to their midfield.

Ugarte, Mainoo and Fernandes in midfield are perfect on paper.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com and sofascore.com.