Christian Eriksen has given Erik ten Hag what he craved most at Manchester United

Former Wales midfielder Robbie Savage believes Christian Eriksen has transformed Manchester United's midfield following Thursday night's 2-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League.

First-half goals from Jadon Sancho and a first of the season from Cristiano Ronaldo sealed a deserved victory for Erik ten Hag's side, meaning they will head into the international break on a high. United dominated the game from pretty much the first whistle and never looked threatened by their Moldovan hosts.

The Reds broke the deadlock after just 17 minutes, courtesy of some outstanding play between Eriksen and Sancho. The latter picked the ball up in midfield, motored forward and played an exquisite chipped pass into the path of Sancho, who, following a handful of touches, buried the ball into the bottom corner.

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It was Eriksen's ability to get on the ball from deep and make things happen that made the goal possible. He has been excellent in recent weeks and is showing with each passing game why Ten Hag was so keen on signing him.

And for former United youth player Savage, Eriksen has brought a controlling element - something the Reds desperately needed last season - to the midfield, forming a productive relationship with both Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes. The trio started together in Moldova, just a week after McTominay and Fernandes were replaced by Casemiro and Fred against Real Sociedad.

"I think what Eriksen has added to this Manchester United side is those forward passes," Savage told BT Sport. "For the goal, when they play McTominay and Fred together, they can't control the midfield, but now with McTominay at the base of the triangle, with Fernandes and