Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has expressed his delight at the return of Danish midfielder, Christian Eriksen, to the team.
The former Ajax Amsterdam midfielder is making his comeback to competitive action for the Red Devils following a lengthy injury layoff which began in January during an FA Cup game against Reading. Before his injury, the 31-year-old was a key player for ten Hag, who paired him alongside Casemiro to great effect in the middle of the park.
The team has struggled since his injury and his return excites the Dutch manager, who believes that Manchester United’s top four charge will be back on track thanks to Eriksen being an option for games once again.
He is looking forward to utilising the Dane and Casemiro in the middle of the park once again for the remainder of the season.
His comments come on the back of United’s first win in their last four matches, thanks to a 27th minute strike from Marcus Rashford against Brentford on Wednesday night. They were without Casemiro in that game as the Brazil international was serving a four-match ban thanks to a red card he picked up against Southampton. However, both he and Eriksen will be available for selection by next weekend’s game against Nottingham Forest, giving ten Hag a huge boost.
Speaking to the media on Friday ahead of their home fixture against Everton on Saturday, ten Hag said: “It’s obvious and clear that two very valuable players (are coming back), especially so in midfield.
“We all know how important the midfield department is and what we have had to do in several games is find a new balance and that’s not so easy to find in this stage of the season.
“Sometimes it’s also a little bit trial and error bringing new players in, bringing players in a different position so that’s what we did.
“We have to make it a really successful season and we have a great squad now. So I’m really positive to get a good final stage of the season and to get even more silverware.”
United are still in the UEFA Europa League and the FA Cup and the return of both midfielders to the side will provide a huge boost as they aim to add both titles to their cabinet this season.
This will see ten Hag become Manchester United’s most successful manager after Sir Alex Ferguson, whose exit from the club has only seen them pick up two titles in a decade of stagnation.
