Thursday night proved to be difficult both on and off the pitch for Manchester United.
With the news that broke less than two hours before the fixture, it was perhaps unsurprising that the match became somewhat of an afterthought at solemn Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag however would have been the first to say that the death of Her Majesty The Queen should not be used an excuse for United's performance in their first Europa League match of the campaign.
Ten Hag gave opportunities to several players who have yet to receive a proper run out this season. Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Casemiro, Fred and Cristiano Ronaldo were all given the opportunity to provide a headache for their boss.
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Unfortunately, none of them will have swayed Ten Hag to feature them in the next Premier League match, whenever that may be. In fact, the only true standout performer was a man who has become 'Mr Reliable' at the Theatre of Dreams - Christian Eriksen.
Eriksen would only feature for 45 minutes against the La Liga side, however he proved why he is becoming one of the first names on the teamsheet. The Dane is settling into the 'Frenkie de Jong role' which Ten Hag has been craving and he was at the heart of all that was good for United.
What is becoming evident is that no other player in the Reds midfield can perform that job as well as Eriksen can. His vision while on the ball is something to behold and he is showing week in, week out why the 30-year-old was a fine investment this summer.
It is remarkable to think that this is the same player who struggled on his return to Brentford back in August. During the defeat that day in the capital, Eriksen appeared to be overawed by a surprisingly hostile crowd towards him.
However, instead of shrinking into himself, Eriksen has shown all the hallmarks of a quality player and upped his game to ensure that does not happen again. He is now in the enviable position of being undroppable in the United midfield.
The Dane is currently working brilliantly as the 'shuttle' between defence and attack with the only question now being who will accompany him in the long-term. Casemiro or Scott McTominay. On current form you would have to favour the latter to start with Eriksen in the next Premier League match, with McTominay having also raised his game significantly.
United fans will no doubt have been concerned about Eriksen following his early departure from the game on Thursday. Being substituted at half-time will have raised some doubts but hopefully for the Reds' sake the substitution was merely to allow Eriksen to rest before the next important match.
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