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For Manchester United, it was a highly disappointing start to the new Europa League campaign as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by underdogs FC Twente.
Man United were largely ineffective on the attack, struggling to truly test the goalkeeper despite taking 19 shots and retaining 57% possession. While the visitors took just seven attempts, the match ended all square, a testament to United’s lack of firepower in front of goal as well as their defensive errors, allowing Twente to score despite being presented with few opportunities.
With Christian Eriksen operating at the heart of United’s midfield, he had an enormous impact on the trajectory of the match. Unexpectedly, his actions saw him emerged as both a hero and a villain of sorts.
In the 35th minute, Eriksen’s shining moment came. Presented with a loose ball on the edge of the box, the Dane hammered home a blistering shot past the keeper and into the far corner of the net, handing United a valuable half-time lead.
Unfortunately, his glory was short-lived. With just 22 minutes left on the clock, Twente found an equaliser against the run of play, and it was Eriksen who was at the heart of United’s downfall.
While Lisandro Martinez did well to dispossess Ricky van Wolfswinkel after he dribbled past a handful of helpless United players, the ball rolled to Eriksen’s feet. When he attempted to swivel in the opposite direction, Eriksen was swiftly dispossessed by Sam Lammers, who surged into the box and slotted the ball past Onana to score an unlikely equaliser.
Putting both teams’ goals aside, Eriksen produced an admirable passing display, completing 43 of his 46 attempted passes for an impressive 93% passing accuracy.
He proved to be a critical passer on the attack, threading three key passes to his teammates, who were unfortunately unable to take advantage.
Eriksen completed both of his long balls, while four of his seven crosses reached their intended target.
As is typical for a player of his style, Eriksen was largely uninvolved in physical battles, winning just one of three duels.
Defensively, he helped out his team with one interception and a tackle. He also blocked a shot.
Eriksen’s only shot on target ended up being his goal, while he also attempted another shot that was blocked.
While the midfielder produced a largely fine display with the ball at his feet, his fatal lapse in concentration was testament to his exhaustion, with Ten Hag clearly overplaying the ageing Dane in recent matches.
Still, he continues to prove himself as the type of player that United should strive to incorporate at the club, potentially presenting himself as a fine mentor to younger teammates.
(Stats via Sofascore)
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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