When the 2024/25 season comes to an end, we would expect Bruno Fernandes to rank highest when it comes to chances created.

At present, Bruno Fernandes ranks only fifth in the Manchester United squad for 'key passes', defined as a pass which directly leads to a shot at goal.

Per Premier League data via FBRef, Christian Eriksen has now moved himself to the top of the pile.

Christian Eriksen, Amad (12) Marcus Rashford, Casemiro (10) Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho (8) It's certainly surprising to see Casemiro above Fernandes. It highlights how the Portuguese star is not quite operating at the high level he ought to be, with no goals scored this season either.

Fernandes has five assists for the season, although only two have come in the Premier League.

Nobody expected Christian Eriksen to play a prominent role for Manchester United this season, and it was not looking this way through the opening three games either, where he did not start any of them.

Since then Erik ten Hag has had a re-think. Christian Eriksen has now started four Premier League matches, including the weekend's win over Brentford.

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Eriksen's goal and assist numbers in the Premier League are yet to register, on nil for both. In cup competitions he has three goals and three assists.

In the league the underlying numbers demonstrate Eriksen is having an impact.

He has made the joint-most key passes along with Amad, with 12 in total each.

Data also shows Eriksen has had more 'goal creating actions' than any other Manchester United player, with four.

These are defined as passes, take-ons, or winning fouls which lead directly to goals. Per 90, he doubles the nearest United player.

Goal creating actions per 90

Christian Eriksen (1.03) Casemiro (0.49) Bruno Fernandes (0.27) Amad Diallo (0.26) Alejandro Garnacho (0.18) Eriksen has played six league games in total, four starts and two substitute appearances, and the team are better off when he plays.

Data shows United have scored +2 goals this season on the pitch versus when he has not been on the pitch. The most recent game Eriksen did not start was the miserable 3-0 loss at home to Tottenham.

Christian Eriksen could have been available Christian Eriksen's contract at Manchester United expires at the end of the season.

United have been relaxed about this, and in the summer, the club were open to offers if a decent bid came in.

At the same time United were not willing to give Eriksen away for nothing, nor was he desperate to leave. There are probably a few teams kicking themselves right now that they did not push harder.

Eriksen's faith in himself has proven justified, he still has something to offer. United must continue to use him carefully, and select him for the right games, but when the Dane is on the pitch, the team are better off right now.

This was a completely unexpected scenario, and Erik ten Hag deserves credit for spotting it, and having the bravery to bring Eriksen back into the fold at a time nobody was calling for him to do so.

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