Christian Eriksen only needed two seconds to do what Paul Scholes wanted at Manchester United

Although it is still early in the season, there is a clear reason why Manchester United supporters are growing increasingly enthusiastic about their team’s chances of success this season.

Erik ten Hag has given Old Trafford new energy and personality, with new ideas and excitement that have every fan dreaming of a return to the top of English football.

Ten Hag’s track record in the transfer window has been very good. In the summer, the Dutchman was given a record amount of money, but he still had to spend it wisely. He appears to have done so.

Lisandro Martinez has been a rock in defense; Tyrell Malacia has been a pleasant surprise at full-back, and Antony appears to have all of the traits to finally address their long-term problems on the right wing.

None, however, are as significant as Christian Eriksen. Given his particular qualities in midfield, the 30-year-old has already exceeded many people’s expectations at Old Trafford and may be the most essential player.

Eriksen, 30, has played 668 minutes out of a potential 720 this season, and United have won five of their six games since switching positions, with the caveat that he had already been replaced by the time Sociedad grabbed the lead at Old Trafford.

He is not only untouchable for United, but he is also unreplaceable on the world stage. Eriksen drew attention with his amazing consolation goal for Denmark against Croatia last week, but his performance against France on Sunday night was equally spectacular.

A video of the United midfielder collecting the ball within his own half, taking two delicate touches of the ball, and then carving open the opponents with a wonderfully weighted pass went viral on social media.

He only possessed the ball for two seconds, but in that time, he demonstrated his effortless class and originality by executing a move he had previously planned in his head before getting the ball.

United has lacked this level of knowledge and comprehension of the game in recent years. That kind of play has already led to comparisons between him and club veteran Paul Scholes.

Scholes told Gary Neville on The Overlap last week, “[I look for] brains.” Players with a sharp mind.

“[Eriksen] exemplifies a player who plays with intelligence; he plays with his brain.” He’s just a smart player; he knows where he is on the field and where other people are on the field.

“I can’t remember which game it was, but they were beaten by someone, and I was a touch harsh on Scott [McTominay] and Fred, but they always had their backs to goal.”

“It’s the only way they can go when they’re receiving the ball with their back to goal all the time.” So I can still see you and my forward, a midfielder should always receive the ball on the half turn.”

Eriksen honored Scholes’ wish once more on Sunday night, not only with his brief moments of brilliance but also with his general control of the play.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man concluded the night with eight critical passes, completing 66% of his tried long balls, 84% of his total passing accuracy, and 100% of his attempted dribbles.

Eriksen’s overall awareness of the game, as well as his ability to choose a pass or take the ball forward himself, make him a priceless asset to the team, and if United are to overcome Manchester City this weekend, they will once again rely on their midfield maestro for a moment of magic.

It’s certainly too early to declare Eriksen their new version of Scholes, but if he keeps up this pace, the comparisons won’t be ignored for much longer.