Manchester United attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen has become ‘so important so quickly’ follow his arrival in the summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 30-year-old joined the Red Devils on a free transfer back in July following an impressive stint with Brentford and has already established himself in manager Erik ten Hag’s starting XI.

What is the latest news involving Eriksen?

Eriksen has made a remarkable comeback since suffering a cardiac arrest during Denmark’s opening game of Euro 2020 and returned to football’s top table by signing for United.

"Christian has been one of the best attacking midfielders in Europe throughout his career,” said the Old Trafford outfit’s football director John Murtough upon his unveiling.

"In addition to his outstanding technique, Christian will add valuable experience and leadership skills to the squad, and we are looking forward to seeing the benefits of these qualities on the pitch this coming season and beyond."

The Scandinavian star put pen to paper on a three-year deal worth £200,000-per-week after arriving in the red half of Manchester and has started all seven of United’s games so far this season.

Eriksen has formed a solid partnership with Scott McTominay at the base of midfield in the opening weeks of the campaign and has played a pivotal part in his current employers rising to fifth in the Premier League table.

What has Jones said about Eriksen?

Jones believes that the Dane’s fast start to life under Ten Hag is ‘great for United’ but is already concerned at how they would cope should he ‘suffer a spell on the sidelines’.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “Eriksen's played a lot of minutes at the moment, and that is great for United in the sense that he's become so important so quickly.

“But I'd definitely worry about if Eriksen does suffer a spell on the sidelines for whatever reason. They'd miss him so much already.”

How well has Eriksen been performing?

Eriksen has largely been fielded in a deeper role in the midfield during his early days at United and has provided one assist, while his underlying numbers illustrate his overall influence over proceedings.

As per WhoScored, the playmaker has averaged 0.5 blocks, two shots, 1.3 key passes, one cross, and two long balls per Premier League appearance throughout 2022/23.

Those figures place Eriksen in the top four for each metric amongst his teammates who have started at least one game and highlight how he has become central to United’s play.

Losing Eriksen would undoubtedly be a big blow for United should he pick up an injury, and Ten Hag will surely be hoping he can remain fit for the foreseeable future.