TRATED ERIKSEN ‘NEEDS TO DO BETTER’

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Danish midfielder (right) has been frustrated by his lack of game time and knows he was not at his best against Burnley on Saturday.

“I still think there are some bits that could be better, a few decisions that could have been better and I could have put my team-mate or myself in a better position around the pitch,” he said. “I’m trying to do my best. I haven’t had as much game time, but when you’re on it, you have to do your best and that’s what I’m trying to do.”

United have nine days until their next match against Crystal Palace on Bank Holiday Monday and Eriksen says they must capitalise on this break. “It’s going to be full focus on the recovery,” he said.

“Hopefully it’ll make everyone ready and fit for the Monday game at Palace.

“There will be some days off, some training, getting yourself mentally and physically ready, and then we go again.”

Hojlund, Fernandes, Garnacho & Ten Hag were left frustated by Burnley’s late penalty leveller (top)

ROB COLE

BY

MICHAEL CARRICK wants to put rising midfield star Alex Gilbert at the heart of a Middlesbrough promotion charge next season.

The 22-year-old scored a stunning goal in a 4-1 win at Cardiff to not only set the seal on a stand-out victory, but also set tongues wagging about his talent.

He unleashed a left-foot thunderbolt from outside the penalty area to notch the Teessiders’ fourth goal (above). It was one that finally won the former West Brom trainee the trust and praise of manager Carrick.

“I’ve had to wait a while, it’s been frustrating and there’s no hiding from that,” said the Republic of Ireland youth international.

“But I’ve just trained, done the right things and the lads have been encouraging me.

“I just wanted to get out there and do the things I know I can do.

“Hopefully, I’ve given the fans a taste of what is to come next season. I couldn’t take this game as an end-ofseason game, I treated it like a cup final – I knew I’d get a chance and had to take it.”

Centre-back Matt Clarke and forwards Finn Azaz and Isaiah Jones were also on the scoresheet in the Welsh capital. Josh Bowler pulled one back in injury-time for dismal Cardiff.

Carrick said: “He has grown and matured, he took his chance really well and the goal showed what Alex can do.

“We know he has goals in him, and that he is a terrific finisher.”

Boro were tipped to mount a serious promotion charge this season, but their campaign fizzled out due to inconsistent form and injuries to key players.

Cardiff City, meanwhile, are still in a state of flux as they dither over the future of manager Erol Bulut.

Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan is stalling on the offer of a new contract to the former Fenerbahce boss, with chairman Mehmet Dalman saying: “It’s ridiculous this has not been resolved.”