Manchester United’s Surprise Deadline Day Move to Resolve Eriksen Issue
Christian Eriksen has become an integral member of Erik ten Hag’s squad since his summer arrival at Old Trafford.
The midfielder is frequently tasked with retrieving the ball from the back line and initiating attacks by passing it forward.
This position was likely intended for Frenkie de Jong if he had moved to Manchester United last summer, but since that transfer did not occur, Eriksen has assumed it.
However, Eriksen was injured in United’s Carabao Cup match against Reading after Andy Carroll made a poor challenge.
The Danish midfielder was seen on crutches after the game, and it is uncertain when he will be able to play again.
Manchester United will likely replace Eriksen internally for the time being. The club also has Kobbie Mainoo and Zidane Iqbal waiting in the wings to provide additional coverage. Fred has been a capable replacement for the 30-year-old this season and will likely fill in while he is injured.
However, given Eriksen’s importance to United this season, replacing him with unqualified or unprepared players could pose significant difficulties. Should the club then seek a replacement on the transfer market?
Youri Tielemans is a name that has been regularly associated with United. The Leicester midfielder has only six months remaining on his contract at the King Power Stadium and could be available for a bargain in January.
However, with the transfer window closing soon, it may be difficult to convince Brendan Rodgers to let the midfielder leave, as he may be essential to the club’s survival.
Tielemans has demonstrated in the past that he is capable of playing in a more advanced position; however, given his technical skill and passing range, he could be deployed deeper to help dictate possession and control the tempo of the game.
The only question mark is whether or not the Belgian international would be as effective without the ball.
United should strongly consider a January transfer to strengthen their challenge for a top-four finish and a trophy, but given the club’s financial situation, it seems unlikely that this will occur. If they decide to gamble before the deadline, however, Tielemans should be near the top of their list.
Manchester United’s Surprise Deadline Day Move to Resolve Eriksen Issue
