“You should ask the coach what he thinks” - Manchester United star on tough start for Red Devils this season
Christian Eriksen has talked about Manchester United's struggles this season explaining what has gone wrong for Erik ten Hag's side.
The Red Devils have made a terrible start to the season with six defeats in 11 games across competitions. They're tenth in the Premier League and are bottom of Group A of the UEFA Champions League with two losses in as many games.
Eriksen has come in and out of Ten Hag's side, starting four of nine games across competitions. The Danish midfielder has bagged one goal and one assist, and it has been a frustrating period for him.
The 31-year-old was asked what's led to Manchester United's struggles this season after a third-placed finish in the 2022-23 campaign. He responded while on international duty with Denmark (via Manchester Evening News):
"I think you should ask the coach what he thinks. We have been hit hard by injuries in defence. We have simply conceded too many goals."
Eriksen has been dealing with illness but has returned to full fitness. He came on at half-time in the Red Devils' dramatic 2-1 comeback win against Brentford in the league on Saturday (October 7).
The Danish playmaker says that he's feeling fine but has highlighted the fact Ten Hag prefers to start other type of midfielders.
"I was sick last week, but I'm doing fine. I don't have any flaws. The body feels good, and of course I want to play every game. But if you have seen the matches yourself, you may also see that (Ten Hag) plays with slightly different types than me."
Manchester United will hope that their last-gasp win against Brentford on the weekend is the turning point of their season. Scott McTominay came off the bench in the 87th minute and grabbed a stoppage-time brace (90+3, 90+7').
Manchester United's Diogo Dalot bemoans gruelling schedule of players
Diogo Dalot has pointed out the amount of game time racking up for players, leading to fitness issues. The right-back played 42 times across competitions for the Red Devils last season. He also made three appearances for Portugal during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The Manchester United defender has highlighted the problems of too much game time for players. He thinks they should have a say (via UtdPlug):
"On a personal level I feel it was a gruelling season (last year), exhausting physically and mentally. These are always things that are beyond our control.
"As the ‘artists’, we should have a say, and, I believe, that if we get together, and with the right people, we can find a way to reconcile the two.”
Ten Hag has been handed an injury crisis at the start of the season with several of players out of action. Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Aaron Wan-Bissaka missed the win against Brentford.