Noel Whelan has claimed Christian Eriksen’s arrival at Man United has instilled “belief and confidence” in the club’s forwards.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 30-year-old’s role in midfield has freed up captain Bruno Fernandes to be more advanced.
Eriksen, who joined Man United on a free transfer but, as revealed by Football Insider, the deal will actually cost £43million, had a hand in all three goals as Erik ten Hag’s side recorded a 3-1 win over league leaders Arsenal on Sunday (4 September).
Stay calm and pass to @ChrisEriksen8 😎 pic.twitter.com/0zJaKbiEqy
— utdreport (@utdreport) September 4, 2022
As per WhoScored, the Denmark international notched the most key passes, second-most touches, and the most crosses of any Red Devils player.
Eriksen played alongside Scott McTominay in midfield as big-money signing Casemiro continues to wait for his full debut.
Whelan hailed the former Tottenham star’s signing as “a really good fit”.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “He’s brought experience and a calm head to Man United.
“Every single pass he plays seems to be the right choice. I think they needed that, and it frees up Fernandes to play more of a forward role and get into the right areas.
“Eriksen is one of those players who just gives you that belief and confidence going forward. The attackers know that he is going to find them with the right pass and be there to mop up.
“To have someone like him with the forwards they have must be refreshing for everyone. It’s a really good fit.”
Man United sit fifth in the Premier League after winning their last four games.
The Red Devils face Real Sociedad in Europa League action on Thursday (8 September).