Manchester United have finally got their Toni Kroos eight years later

When Manchester United signed Christian Eriksen as a free agent in the summer, many thought he would be used as a bit-part player but six games into their season and he has been instrumental in the centre of the pitch.

Following Eriksen’s cardiac arrest during Euro 2020, it was difficult to imagine the Danish international setting foot on the pitch once again, never mind reaching the heights he did for Brentford and now at United.

For years, the Reds have struggled with their midfield creativity, often relying on square pegs in round holes to fill the void of a true creative-minded number 8.

United have failed to replace retired players, the main one being Michael Carrick, who was the glue that gelled United’s midfield together under Sir Alex Ferguson for so many victorious seasons. He was a calm and composed figure who dictated the play and would spray passes into the attacking third.

United have finally secured a defensive midfielder with Casemiro from Real Madrid but previously the club lacked a true defensive midfielder who not only can shield the defence but can also create attacks and be a driving force in releasing the ball into the opposition’s half.

It is peculiar the last Dutch United manager passed on the opportunity to sign a controlling midfielder. David Moyes had teed up a deal for Toni Kroos prior to his sacking in April 2014 and Van Gaal, who managed Kroos at Bayern Munich, vetoed a deal yet okayed moves for Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera.

United's best spell of football under Van Gaal was underpinned by Michael Carrick at the base of a midfield triangle in the spring of 2015. Carrick, great player though he was, is a level below the masterful Kroos, a starter in the Madrid derby.

Van Gaal informed Carrick he would be released in early May 2016, two weeks before his own dismissal. His decision-making involving Carrick and Kroos two years apart is especially paradoxical when he now has such a predilection for Frenkie de Jong as the Netherlands national team coach.

Although not a defensive midfielder, Eriksen has been a breath of fresh air in United’s engine room. Instead of having to rely on Fred or Scott McTominay to find Bruno Fernandes in the number 10 position, United now have the Dane as another outlet.

Eriksen has been very effective at receiving the ball from the defence and carrying the ball further up the pitch to play his vertical passes into one of the attackers.

It is easy to predict sideways passes that opposition teams have become accustomed to from most of United’s midfielders but with the arrival of Eriksen, there is a new challenge to face and a new threat to try and defend against.

Eriksen is quickly becoming a fan favourite with the United faithful and everyone connected to the Old Trafford side will hope that his injection of creativity will lead to future success.