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On a night packed with emotion and sorrow, Manchester United delivered a bland and fragmented performance that will likely be quickly forgotten by those in attendance.
United entered their Europa League group stage opener at Old Trafford against Real Sociedad with verve.
Sunday’s victory over Arsenal represented their fourth consecutive victory, and Sociedad was their next target.
United, maybe impacted by the news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II just 90 minutes before kickoff, froze when they had the opportunity to capitalise on their momentum.
United, maybe impacted by the news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II just 90 minutes before kickoff, froze when they had the opportunity to capitalise on their momentum. A contentious penalty awarded to Brais Mendez just before the hour mark was enough to hand United their first loss in five matches and a rare Europa League home loss.
Although United had every right to protest the giving of the penalty, as the officials opted to disregard the fact that the ball had struck replacement Lisandro Martinez’s body before landing on his hand, the performance was lackluster.
Four days earlier, United had halted Arsenal’s unbeaten start to the season.
Erik ten Hag made six substitutions in a bid to shake things up and give minutes to individuals who have not fared so well in previous games, so the decision was always risky.
It disrupted United’s recent rhythm, with none of the six newcomers performing well enough to leave their mark.
Casemiro, who was given his first start since joining Manchester United from Real Madrid last month, demonstrated why Scott McTominay has started the last three league games, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s only noticeable contribution was heading in a Diogo Dalot cross that was promptly flagged offside.
However, while others who did earn an opportunity to impress faltered, the man who the majority of people anticipated would be granted a break continued to impress.
As he did against Arsenal, Christian Eriksen shone brightly in midfield. Ten Hag surprised everyone by starting Fred in the more advanced advanced role, allowing Eriksen to continue to flourish in his free-roaming No. 8 position.
While Fred stumbled and tried to adapt to his new position, Eriksen once again demonstrated why Ten Hag was so eager to bring him to his team.
After he was substituted at halftime, United’s prospects diminished.
After he was substituted at halftime, United’s prospects diminished. He was the architect of the most of their creations in the first 45 minutes, and they badly missed him when he was substituted out, apparently in accordance with a predetermined plan.
Given that United signed him to compete with Fernandes for the attacking-midfield position, Ten Hag’s decision to keep him in a more reserved role indicates that he wants him to claim the No. 8 position as his own.
The choice to employ Fred as an advanced midfielder somewhat failed, but the stubbornness to change Eriksen’s role was telling.
Ten Hag considers the Danish international to be the type of ball-playing midfielder he desired in Frenkie de Jong. Everything United have accomplished in their last two matches is due to the former Brentford player’s ability to control the ball and direct play.
He was head and shoulders above his midfield teammates against Sociedad, and it is evident that he is now one of Ten Hag’s first choices. United appeared rather disoriented in the second half without Eriksen as their commander.
Their opportunities evaporated, and they lost the dominance they enjoyed in the first half. Therefore, it is evident that United possesses the capacity to shape Ten Hag’s vision and philosophy around Eriksen’s quality.
United may have spent millions on players like Martinez, Casemiro, and Antony over the summer, but the signing of Eriksen on a free transfer has proven to be their biggest acquisition to far.y
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