Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen has said that he wants to play as much as possible following his man of the match display against Copenhagen on Tuesday.
The Denmark international has not started a game for the Red Devils since September 20, but he has been involved regularly off the bench under manager Erik ten Hag.
Eriksen replaced Sofyan Amrabat at the interval against Copenhagen in midweek and he made the difference with a quality cross for Harry Maguire’s late headed winner.
The 31-year-old was handed the man of the match for his 45-minute performance. Speaking after the game, he delivered a blunt response on why he has been starting on the bench.
He told TNT Sports’ Fred Caldeira: “Ask the manager why I’m starting on the bench, that’s out of my hands. But obviously I want to play as much as possible. Obviously the manager is looking the other way, but at the moment if you win like this, it’s worth it.”
Eriksen must start for United in the Manchester derby
Eriksen was introduced at the break against Copenhagen. He had a good second half with a passing accuracy of 90 per cent. He managed three key passes and a brilliant cross for the assist.
In our opinion, he should be reinstated into the starting line-up against Manchester City on Sunday. United need to take the game to Pep Guardiola’s side to pick up maximum points.
Amrabat and Scott McTominay were below-par with their displays on Tuesday. We won’t be surprised if there is a double change with Casemiro and Eriksen coming into the starting XI.
Casemiro was rested under the club’s advice against Sheffield United after twisting his ankle. He was back in training earlier this week but could not face Copenhagen due to a suspension.
The Brazilian should return to the line-up for the much-awaited derby at Old Trafford.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com