Man United news: Pundit baffled as Erik ten Hag speaks out on Christian Eriksen ‘problem’
Alan Hutton has slammed the decision to play Man United midfielder Christian Eriksen out of position.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Tottenham and Aston Villa defender suggested the 30-year-old’s unfamiliar role was one of the reasons the Red Devils lost to Brighton.
United were beaten 2-1 by the Seagulls at Old Trafford on Sunday (7 August).
Eriksen was playing as a false nine for Erik ten Hag’s side, with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford alongside him.
Speaking to club media after the defeat (8 August), Ten Hag said he does not see Eriksen staying in that position long term.
The manager added he feels the 30-year-old is “best in midfield”.
The Denmark international joined Man United this summer following the expiration of his Brentford contract.
When asked if Eriksen playing out of position was the biggest problem for United at the weekend, Hutton told Football Insider: “I think it’s one of the problems.
“You don’t normally see Man United playing with that false nine. You’ve got players like Rashford and Sancho who, if they’re playing at a high level then you can get away with it.
“There’s not doubting the fact that the [Cristiano] Ronaldo issue is a problem. If he’s fully fit he plays. He’s obviously not up to speed yet and the manager doesn’t want to take that risk.
“It will be interesting to see where Man United go from here. There was a lot of expectation with Ten Hag and it’s not gone to plan so it will be interesting to see how they move on from this and if Ronaldo will come back in right away.“
In other news, a pundit has shared worrying Lisandro Martinez prediction after what he’s seen at Man United.