Christian Eriksen is being “disrespected,” says former Man United defender

Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has stated that it’s disrespectful that the blow of missing Christian Eriksen has not been discussed often enough.

Christian Eriksen joined Manchester United in the summer of 2022 on a free transfer after a fantastic six-month spell at fellow Premier League side Brentford.

Towards the beginning of this calendar year, Eriksen was ruled out for three months after he suffered an ankle injury as the result of a dangerous tackle by Andy Carroll.

Read More: “It doesn’t belong on the pitch” – Erik ten Hag slams Andy Carroll after reckless tackle led to Christian Eriksen long-term injury

The injury led to Erik ten Hag having to secure the services of Marcel Sabitzer on a six-month loan deal from Bayern Munich during the final day of the January transfer window in order to provide backup for the injured midfielder.

Speaking to SpilXperten, former Manchester United defender Paul Parker has explained why he feels the lack of coverage relating to the impact of Eriksen’s unavailability on the squad is “disrespectful” to the Dane.

“The blow of missing Christian Eriksen has been bigger than expected,” he said. “And the fact that no one is talking about it makes me feel that he is being disrespected.

“He is a very important player but no one notices it. He controls the pace of the game, he is the one to decide if Man United are going to attack or just relax on the ball.”

He further explained why the fact Eriksen is missing has an impact on the squad; linking it to a lack of “control”.

“I would say that Man United is less capable of controlling games when he is not there. Fred and Sabitzer are brilliant players but they don’t have the same brain as he does.”

“But of course, Man United has made some really good results without him and that might be the reason why no one is talking about him. But I have to say that Eriksen would make a good Man United team to a great Man United team.”

Erik ten Hag recently issued an update on the midfielder’s potential return date.

“I think he will play [this season], definitely,” he confirmed. “I cannot tell now when the expectation [is to return], but I think his progress in the rehab is OK, it’s going according to plan.”