How Man Utd could line up with Eriksen
Karan Tejwani
- 15 Jul 2022 15:12 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester United have officially announced the signing of Christian Eriksen on a free transfer, making him their second summer addition, after Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord.
The Danes spent the second half of last season at Brentford, impressing upon his return following his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 last year.
Related articles
There was plenty of interest in him, especially from his former club, Tottenham, but Erik ten Hag’s interest has swayed him and he has made the move to Old Trafford.
How could Manchester United line-up with Eriksen in the squad?
In goal, David de Gea should continue, despite doubts over his ability to fit in Ten Hag’s team, however, this doesn’t seem to be an immediate issue to resolve.
At the back, Diogo Dalot will be on the right, as Aaron Wan-Bissaka was out of form and out of the side towards the end of last season under Ralf Rangnick.
On the left, United may give a chance to new signing Malacia, while Luke Shaw will provide an option as his fitness could be a concern.
At centre-half, captain Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane should be the pair at the back, with Victor Lindelof providing support. Ajax's Lisandro Martinez may yet arrive to supplement or replace one of the aforementioned duo.
Midfield is where the biggest changes will be, with Eriksen now coming in and he will likely be grouped with Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay, at least until Frenkie de Jong arrives.
Manchester United’s lack of options in defensive midfield means that McTominay should take up the defensive role, although they will hope to get someone better for that.
Eriksen will serve as the “number eight”, as he often has done for Brentford and Inter in recent times, and that will support Fernandes, who will have the creative freedom.
United have options for the front three, and it’ll be a trio of Sancho, Ronaldo and Rashford that seems strongest, with the latter looking for some form after a disappointing season.
Ronaldo has also made his intention to leave the club clear, and it’ll be interesting to see if he remains at Old Trafford to start the season.
All of this could change in the coming weeks, as United target other players such as De Jong and Martinez ahead of the new campaign.
