Christian Eriksen reacts to comparison to Man Utd legend, before explaining role change that has brought his best out
Christian Eriksen is flattered by comparisons to Paul Scholes during his early days with Manchester United, but wants to create his own legacy at the club.
Manchester United signed Christian Eriksen on a free transfer in the summer after his contract with Brentford expired. Back up to speed in football after some time away following his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020, the playmaker was ready to step back up to the level he had previously been accustomed to.
Since joining Manchester United, Eriksen has started six matches in the Premier League and two in the Europa League. He has almost been ever-present for his new club.
Over time, their form in the formative weeks of Erik ten Hag’s spell in charge has been improving. Eriksen has been one of their more consistent players. It has been a welcome sight after all that has happened to him.
Some have even gone as far as to draw comparisons between Eriksen and Manchester United legend Paul Scholes. In fact, Scholes himself has given his own glowing verdict of the 30-year-old. It represents high praise for a classy player in his own right.
Speaking to the press in his native Denmark, Eriksen has welcomed the connection, while reminding he wants to write his own story.
“It’s football in a nutshell and shows how fast it is,” Eriksen told Politiken. “Of course, it is great to be compared to them. But you create your own ways and your own name.
“I was lucky that I managed to play against Paul Scholes. He was a good player. So I’m happy to be compared to him.”
It is a reminder of the stature of club that Eriksen now represents. He has been at some big teams over the years, starting out at Ajax and then enjoying spells with Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan. But the brand of Manchester United might just be the biggest.
“Like everyone else, I’ve previously been one of those sitting and reading about what happened in United,” he said. “It is a huge club, and no one in the world does not know about the brand United.”
Christian Eriksen enjoying current role
It is a new era for a club who became something of a fallen giant last season. After losing the first two games of Ten Hag’s reign, they have since won four on the bounce in the Premier League.
A loss to Real Sociedad in the Europa League followed. However, they went into the international break on a winning note by defeating Sheriff Tiraspol in the same competition.
Reflecting on the start to the season, Eriksen has explained how changing his own role has also helped his own confidence.
“During that period we were probably searching – also for my own part,” he explained.
“I played many different positions in a very short time. First a little striker and then down in defensive midfield.
“In recent matches, I have played as an 8, and it suits me very well. It’s great that we’ve come back on top with wins, which have been good for us and created a bit of confidence.”
Manchester United’s first commitment after the September international break will be on October 2. There will be the small matter of the derby with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
