95% passing accuracy, two goals in two games: Ten Hag must drop Man Utd star even after impressive stats – view

Manchester United are set to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.

Christian Eriksen earned his first start of the campaign in the 3-0 victory over Southampton.

He kept his starting spot in the resounding 7-0 victory over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup third round.

Eriksen played a critical role in both the games. The midfielder misplaced only five of his 99 passes in these two clashes.

He bagged a brace and recorded an assist in the mid-week. He played four key passes and lost the possession only 11 times.

These impressive statistics are robust enough to warrant giving the player another starting spot.

However, we believe Erik ten Hag must drop Eriksen to the bench on Saturday.

The 32-year-old does not have the legs to do justice to the number eight role in Ten Hag’s system.

Over the last year, he has shown signs of regression. He has an excellent creative vision but United need a midfielder who can also do the defensive work.

Eriksen acknowledged that playing every week can be challenging and expressed that he would not mind taking a rest.

Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes are expected to return to the starting XI.

Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are in a battle for the number six spot. The latter could make his full debut after making a positive impression in the last game.

Eriksen could be used as a substitute if United look to add more creativity to their midfield.

A midfield trio of Ugarte, Mainoo and Fernandes is perfect on paper.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com and sofascore.com.