“He has proved everyone wrong” - Paul Parker backs Manchester United star amidst recent criticism
Former Manchester United full-back Paul Parker has hailed Christian Eriksen for proving his naysayers wrong. The Danish midfielder has picked up form in recent weeks, starting the last four games for the Red Devils across competitions.
Eriksen dropped down the pecking order last season at Old Trafford following Kobbie Mainoo's emergence. The 32-year-old was heavily linked with an exit from Manchester United this summer but ended up staying.
The midfielder was expected to further struggle for chances following the arrival of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). However, Eriksen has responded well this season and now has three goals and one assist from five games.
Speaking to SpilXperten, Parker insisted that the Dane has become indispensable for the Red Devils of late.
“Eriksen has proved everyone wrong. It’s absolutely crazy because not long ago, we were talking about how he should start looking for a new club. It seemed like his options were at the level of Ajax, Galatasaray, or maybe a return to Denmark. It doesn’t make any sense to me that he’s suddenly a regular starter, at least for now," said Parker.
He continued:
“It’ll be interesting, of course, to see if Ugarte comes in and takes his spot, but why would they drop him? Sure, there are mistakes here and there but that’s football. Right now, he’s crucial for Manchester United."
Parker also pointed out that Eriksen has helped Manchester United dominate games this season.
“He’s crucial because he helps the team be more dominant than they have been otherwise. They hadn’t been in control at all until Eriksen came in and started dictating the game. In many ways, he is what people said United needed to go out and buy in the transfer market," said Parker.
However, Parker warned that Eriksen could struggle if Erik ten Hag wants to focus on counter-attacking football.
“Obviously, it depends on whether Erik ten Hag continues to play this way because if he wants to focus on counter-attacking football, Eriksen doesn’t fit that style. Eriksen isn’t someone who should be chasing the ball, he’ll come up short in that situation," explained Parker.
He continued:
“Of course, he’s still not a long-term solution, but if he can keep playing at this level, then he has to play. It’s incredible, and I’m genuinely happy for him. He’s such a good guy and has handled himself very professionally in a tough period."
Eriksen's contract at Old Trafford expires at the end of this season.
Eriksen could start for Manchester United against Tottenham Hotspur
Christian Eriksen opened the scoring for Manchester United against FC Twente in midweek in the Europa League. Unfortunately, it was his mistake that led to the equalizer, with the game ending 1-1.
The Red Devils have endured a mixed start to the new Premier League campaign, with two wins, one draw, and two defeats to their name so far. They face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, September 29, in the league at Old Trafford.
Spurs have also registered an identical record from five games this season but have scored four goals more. With Manchester United desperate for a win, Eriksen could get the chance to redeem himself this weekend against his old club.