Sunday’s clash between Manchester United and Arsenal was an exciting encounter, worthy of the hype and the preparation. And in the end, the Red Devils ended the Gunners’ unbeaten streak with a crushing 3-1 win.
Whether United are truly back is a question that will be answered at the end of the season, but for now Erik ten Hag’s methods certainly seem to be paying off.
United looks like a team
The current team exudes passion and desire, a concept heavily criticized by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but certainly held in high regard by the current Dutch manager, as he explained to Roy Keane at the end of the match.
The former Ajax boss deserves praise for the way he has managed to return fire to players who seemed to have lost control under Ralf Rangnick last season.
Marcus Rashford already has 3 goals and two assists in four games and Bruno Fernandes is also back to his best, which can best be summed up by his pass for the second goal against the North London side.
The resurgence of the ‘magnifico’ Portuguese is also due in part to the intelligence of Christian Eriksen. The arrival of the Dane has completely changed the dynamic of United’s midfield.
In previous seasons since the Portuguese international’s arrival, it was mostly up to him to shoulder the bulk of the responsibilities when it came to creating chances for his forwards, while Fred and Scott McTominay tried to keep the fort together.
Eriksen the key
This season, Eriksen has served as a link, coming up short to receive passes from the defense or McTominay and then throwing the ball wide or playing crucial passes that break the line at Fernandes’ feet.
That was on display in the three goals against Mikel Arteta’s team. The first goal was started by Eriksen with a brilliant burst into space that was later picked up by the attacking midfielder. The ball eventually found its way to Antony, who scored on his United debut.
Christian Eriksen’s heart stopped. He was lucky to be alive, let alone play football again in seven months. Now, just over a year later, he is officiating for the biggest club in England. What a man. ???? #mufc pic.twitter.com/CIDChmLurq
— Dominic Booth (@DomBooth19) September 4, 2022
The third goal saw a fine late run from the Denmark international, who caught Arsenal’s rear guard off guard and selflessly layed it out for Rashford to extend United’s lead.
It has been a complete turnaround both for the club and for Eriksen himself after the first two defeats and the coach has had nothing but praise for his new signing.
Eriksen’s role
“We put him a little bit further down the field, like a No. 6/No. 8 paper. He has a lot of freedom and he can make you a game, he makes the game changer, sees a pass between the lines, makes the final pass and goes on the attack to score a goal.
“He can improve his [defending]. When he plays like today a little mistake, we will give him that. He played a magnificent game,” Ten Hag was quoted as saying by The Telegraph after the game.
The publication succinctly summed up the Dane’s contribution to United’s winning run saying: “United’s £85m new signing Antony may have enjoyed a dream start with a debut goal to remember, but he was the man signed on a free transfer which made the team play”. .”
High praise for a man who deserves no less.
