Manchester United can look within their own squad to find an alternate replacement for Christian Eriksen.
The Danish midfielder’s injury has started a new round of rumours linking the club to several players around the world. Erik ten Hag already took a risk by starting the former Spurs star against Reading.
There is a possibility that Eriksen’s injury might affect United’s momentum in the league. The Danish international is one of the few players who are key to United’s strategy under Ten Hag; his creativity and composure are the epitome of everything the manager demands from his team.
Eriksen has the third-most minutes under his belt and has appeared in more games for United this season than any other player.
The 30-year-old was seen leaving Old Trafford on crutches after taking a big challenge from Andy Carroll, so it appears that United will have to play without him for a long time. He wasn’t playing poorly, but there were worries about his recent decline in performance levels even before his injury. He wasn’t producing as much as he had earlier in the season.
In order to decrease the over-reliance on Eriksen, Ten Hag has identified the need to sign a similar creative midfielder in the summer. However, it appears that in order to maintain the team’s style of play, Ten Hag will also need to find a temporary solution.
The squad has three players who might help United make up for Eriksen’s absence, even though they still lack a ready-made successor.
The most obvious solution is for Fred to adopt his position. The Brazilian may not have the same technical ability as Eriksen, but he has shown promise in a similar role in the past when given the freedom to attack.
Although Fred is a strong link-up player and might be an effective third midfielder in a midfield trio with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, he still lacks the passing ability to break down the low block as effectively as Eriksen does.
Although it would be difficult for either of them to play frequently at this point in their careers, United also has a couple of young players that fit the same mould as the former Tottenham player. Zidane Iqbal gained attention last summer for his preseason performances, and he has since continued to do so.
The 19-year-old hasn’t played in a competitive match this year under Ten Hag, but he was back in action last Friday for the U21s as he waits for his chance with the first squad.
Iqbal was thought to be interested in leaving on loan this window, but with Donny van de Beek already out till the end of the season and the injury to Eriksen, it now appears doubtful that a move would be made.
Kobbie Mainoo appears to have surpassed his fellow academy teammate after making an impact off the bench during Saturday night’s victory over Reading. The 17-year-old was behind Charlie Savage and Iqbal in the pecking order last summer, but he surprised everyone with his outstanding growth, making him a key first-team player now.
Despite only having two competitive appearances at the senior level, Mainoo is still a very raw talent who could benefit from more significant playing time in the upcoming weeks given the lack of midfielders. He could be used as a substitute or a starter against decent opponents, but it would be difficult to make him play against bigger clubs.
It is highly unlikely for the club to sign a new midfielder in the upcoming days, but Ten Hag will need to find a solution for this issue.
It remains to be seen whether they decide to pursue a new midfielder or keep faith in their own younger players.
