Christian Eriksen explains tweak to his position under Erik ten Hag at Manchester United

Manchester United playmaker Christian Eriksen says he enjoys playing a deeper midfield role as his career heads towards its twilight years.

The 31-year-old has dropped further back in Erik ten Hag’s system at Old Trafford, much like he did at Brentford prior to his switch, having previously operated as an attacking midfielder.

Eriksen still managed to bag 10 assists and two goals from the position this season and has been roundly praised by United fans for his impact. The player himself says the role change was a natural progression and that he is liking the new challenge.

Speaking to Ekstra Bladet ahead of Denmark’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Northern Ireland and Slovenia, Eriksen explained: “The older I get, the slower I get. It suits me really well to play a little further back. It has sort of followed my development.”

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Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand sent a message to Ten Hag about what the future may hold for Eriksen as a midfielder.

He said: “Christian will play in the eight position for a few years, but it is not strange for me to see him in the six position (defensive midfield) in a few years. It is also something that can help extend his career if he gets to play that position.”

Eriksen has played a deeper midfield role for almost the entirety of his United stay.

When asked why he was being played in the position back in September, Ten Hag said: ''We put him a little bit deeper on the pitch as he plays in a six and an eight role where he has lots of freedom.

''We tell him which spaces he has to be in but also he has to adapt to that. I think he can make a game for you, he can also switch the play when needed.''