Ten Hag names 'smart player' in Man United squad - not Bruno

Ahead of the draw with Tottenham Hotspur, Erik ten Hag described Christian Eriksen as a smart player who can make a difference.

“He is a smart player,” the Man United manager said. “He can make the difference, he scans for passes and he can give them. He has that ability — not many players have that.”

Indeed, Eriksen alongside Bruno Fernandes are United's most creative players. However, the Danish midfielder must work on his defensive side.

According to The Athletic, Eriksen has managed 1.38 tackles per 90 minutes - the fewest of any United midfielder.

His 0.32 interceptions is the lowest of any player other than Marcus Rashford. The Dane is dribbled past by an opponent 1.8 times on average and won just 32 per cent of his duels this season.

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