Jack Wilshere believes Manchester United have found their new Michael Carrick in Christian Eriksen after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's similar tip failed to come to fruition.
Eriksen, 30, has been deployed as a central midfielder by Erik ten Hag after joining the Red Devils from Brentford on a free transfer in July. The Denmark international's primary position is in attacking midfield, a role that's currently occupied by Bruno Fernandes.
Eriksen has adjusted well to his new position, often controlling the game during the 3-1 Premier League win against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday. Midfield has been a weak point in United's team in recent years, a problem Eriksen is looking to solve.
Wilshere, who played as a central midfielder before retiring to move into coaching in July, believes Eriksen could be the long-term successor to United legend Carrick. The former England international hung up his boots in May 2018 after 12 years at Old Trafford.
During that time, Carrick achieved significant success. He became the only English player - alongside United teammate Wayne Rooney - to win the Premier League title, Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, Community Shield and Club World Cup.
"Not many players have got the vision he's [Eriksen] got," Wilshere told Premier League Productions. "In the first few games, he was questioned because he was playing a little deeper.
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"But he gives you creativity. The pass [in the build-up to United’s opening goal against Arsenal], it’s almost like a Michael Carrick pass. He plays with his head up, scans the pitch, he sees the picture before the ball comes to him.
"A lot of people give the credit for the pass before the assist and he will do that a lot for United this season. That is so hard to defend against and it also gives the backline a different problem. If Christian Eriksen can keep himself fit and healthy, he will be a big player for Manchester United."
Wilshere's comments come after ex-United boss Solskjaer backed James Garner to become the next Carrick after handing him his debut in February 2019. That prediction turned out to be wrong, as Garner completed a £15million move to Everton on deadline day.
"He has a great future," said Solskjaer. "He's in the same mould as Michael Carrick. It puts pressure on him to be compared to Carrick, but that is what it’s like to be at Man United."
While Garner's time at United is over, it's hoped he will become a top Premier League player at Goodison Park and perhaps emulate Carrick's success... just not at Old Trafford. The Englishman played a crucial role in Nottingham Forest's promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs in May, making 41 Championship appearances.
"James is a fantastic midfielder with a great all-round game who has qualities we know Evertonians will appreciate," said Everton boss Frank Lampard. "We are really looking forward to working with him and having him add further strength to our squad."
