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Exclusive: Christian Eriksen calls for Manchester United consistency ahead of 'special' FC Copenhagen game

Ben Southby

Updated 08/11/2023 at 11:28 GMT

Manchester United breathed life into their Champions League campaign with victory over FC Copenhagen at Old Trafford a fortnight ago after back-to-back defeats. The win means Man Utd could move into the automatic qualification spots with a win in the return fixture in Denmark, but Christian Eriksen knows they must be more consistent following an “up and down” start to the season.

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Christian Eriksen is eager for Manchester United to show better consistency after an “up and down” start to the season.
Erik ten Hag’s side take on FC Copenhagen on Wednesday, whom they narrowly beat a fortnight ago to post their first Champions League points after back-to-back defeats.
United could move into the automatic qualification places in the group with victory in the return fixture, depending on the result in the other game between Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.
But only twice this season have United won more than one game in a row, and Eriksen wants that to improve, especially after an important victory against Fulham on Saturday.
“It’s been like this this season,” Eriksen told TNT Sports when asked about the change in the team's atmosphere after their late win at Fulham.
“Every time we’ve won we’ve been on a high and then we lose again and we feel down again, and then up again.
“Obviously, we do everything we can to keep it on a high, keep winning games and then obviously that boosts our confidence and we need to keep that, instead of going up and down all the time.”
The Dane, who returns to his home country for the tie against Copenhagen on Wednesday, live on TNT Sports, was asked how he handles emotions during turbulent periods.
“It is what it is, that’s football. You get judged on every game and there is one in every three or four days.
“Results are sometimes something you can have influence on and some games you can’t so it’s different to be in it.
“In the end, you are a footballer, so literally what you do is play football. You do what you can to get the win.”
United were on the wrong side of a seven-goal thriller in their opening Champions League match against Bayern Munich before suffering a defeat at Old Trafford to Galatasaray.
“We didn’t start as we wanted,” Eriksen admitted. “Ever since we’ve been trying to catch up, there are a lot of points to catch up on and [the game against Copenhagen] is no different.
“We had the first catch-up a couple of weeks ago and now we have to take this second step to get to the next round.”
Harry Maguire scored the only goal of the game when United beat Copenhagen at Old Trafford in October to earn their first win in Europe this season.
Scott McTominay’s foul in the box deep into added time almost cost the Red Devils, only for Andre Onana to save Jordan Larsson’s 97th-minute penalty to deny Copenhagen a point.
Eriksen says United have to be better in front of goal to avoid a similar scenario.
“We need to be clinical and keep them away from our goal,” he said, looking ahead to Wednesday’s game. “I think they press as well and have some good moments in home games.
“I think they’ll be flying out in the beginning with the crowd. We need to hold strong and try to do something at the other end.
“I’m looking forward to it, it’s special being back in Denmark and playing there will be special.”
After Copenhagen, United travel to Galatasaray in the penultimate group game before finishing against Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich at Old Trafford.
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