Erik ten Hag receives boost as Christian Eriksen’s Man United return date set

Erik ten Hag has received a huge boost as Christian Eriksen edges closer to his return from injury as Manchester United enter the business end of the season.

With the international break now complete, there is one long stretch until the campaign’s conclusion. United are still in two cup competitions and are competing for a Champions League spot in the Premier League.

Into the semi-final of the FA Cup and the quarter-finals of the Europa League, Ten Hag’s men will be keen to add to their Carabao Cup victory from February to underpin the positive steps taken in the Dutchman’s first season in charge at Old Trafford.

However, with Casemiro out of action for the upcoming three fixtures, it seemed that United would suffer until he returns. The Brazilian has arguably been the most important player for The Reds despite Marcus Rashford’s goalscoring heroics. Marcel Sabitzer is also a doubt to face Newcastle after suffering a knock to his knee with Austria

Eriksen and Casemiro had built a strong partnership in the middle of the park in the first half of the campaign before the Denmark international fell to injury in January.

Since then, United have lacked control in their play and although the positive results have continued, they have struggled to perform to their best level.

The 30-year-old had returned to training at Carrington over the international break and now reports from The Mirror say that he could be making his return to the side next week.

Upcoming fixtures against Newcastle and Brentford appear to come too soon for the midfielder, but the report mentions that he could feature on the bench against Everton next Saturday.

This will be a huge boost for United, with each and every game being crucial up until the end of the season. Casemiro and Eriksen could be reunited in the middle of the park quite soon.

“I think earlier in my career I would have taken it a lot harder than I do now,” said Eriksen. “You learn later on that it’s just part of your career. Sometimes you’re lucky, sometimes you’re not. The mindset is just getting back as soon as possible in a healthy, strong way and not to get any setbacks.”