Paul Scholes claims 31-year-old Manchester United star is a 'much better footballer' than summer signing Sofyan Amrabat after UCL win
Paul Scholes said that Christian Eriksen is a 'much better footballer' than his Manchester United teammate Sofyan Amrabat.
The Red Devils were struggling to break the deadlock versus a rigid Copenhagen side until the 72nd minute. Eriksen was brought on for the second half in place of Amrabat, and the Dane provided the cross for Harry Maguire's headed goal.
The 31-year-old slipped into a more attacking position as compared to Amrabat, with Scott McTominay dropping deep to shield the defenders. Scholes commented after the game that Manchester United looked a better side with Eriksen on the pitch, saying on TNT Sports (h/t GOAL):
"Second half was a lot better but you bring the better footballers on. You bring Christian Eriksen on, a much better footballer. No disrespect to Amrabat, he’s a stopper he’ll do his kind of thing.
"But he won’t build up play. Christian Eriksen will. You saw the runs being made, all of sudden [Bruno] Fernandes is in the game, [Alejandro] Garnacho too. Eriksen will find these players. For a 15-20 minute spell they looked like a proper team again."
Manchester United held on for a 1-0 win at Old Trafford to register their first points on the board in this season's UEFA Champions League. They now sit third in Group A, behind Galatasaray (4 points) and Bayern Munich (9 points).
Christian Eriksen praised by Manchester United boss after win against Copenhagen
Christian Eriksen drew praise from Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag after the win against Copenhagen.
The Dutch tactician said after the game, via the aforementioned source:
"Christian is always positive. He brings football and we did not have the football in the first half – Copenhagen are well organised and you have to break them. Christian Eriksen makes the right passes."
Eriksen has started just four times across competitions this season. Amrabat, meanwhile, has become a regular starter in recent weeks and has started six games since mid-September.
The Morocco international was signed on an initial €10 million loan deal on deadline day this summer. The Red Devils have an option to make it permanent for €25 million at the end of the season.
With Scott McTominay also in fine form, it will be interesting to see what midfield Ten Hag chooses when Manchester United face Manchester City on 29 October in the league.