Christian Eriksen will show Manchester United how good they really are

It is perhaps no surprise that Manchester United's performance level dipped heading into the international break. Erik ten Hag's side have played an unprecedented 25 matches since club football resumed following the World Cup, with players pushed to their limits during the gruelling schedule.

By the time United had found fitness again after the month off, they were having to adjust to the demands of playing two games a week, which took its toll physically and limited recovery sessions between matches.

It is testament to the work ethic Ten Hag has instilled that even despite a drop in performance levels, United's results have rarely suffered, with the side so often finding a way to get over the line no matter how poorly they might have played.

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The fixture schedule is certainly a leading factor, but just as important has been the loss of Christian Eriksen, arguably the player who best encapsulates Ten Hag's football philosophy.

It is easy to forget just how good Eriksen has been already for United this season, with the 31-year-old easily forming part of their strongest line-up with the effortless manner of his play. The Denmark international is perfectly aligned with everything Ten Hag wants from his side as well, with his calmness, composure and creativity mirroring the fundamentals of the manager's preferred approach.

“Eriksen brings creativity in the squad and can play in offensive midfield or in a lower position,” Ten Hag said of him last summer. “He will bring a lot to the team and will affect our possession and also out of possession.”

Eriksen had played in all but one of United's games this season prior to his injury in January, missing only