Christian Eriksen has not played as much due to Kobbie Mainoo’s emergence: Erik ten Hag | OneFootball

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is expected to make alterations in the middle of the park after it was revealed that the injury crisis at the club has gone from bad to worse.

In the last two Premier League games, the Dutchman was forced to select academy youngster Willy Kambwala at the back after four out his five senior centre-back options all suffered injuries.

Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans both joined Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof on the sidelines and Harry Maguire was the only remaining senior option at Ten Hag’s disposal.

The young Frenchman has now joined his experienced colleagues in the treatment room which could force the manager to play Casemiro alongside Maguire.

Injury concerns ahead of Wembley

Both Sofyan Amrabat and Mason Mount are also injured and this could mean a return to the starting lineup for Christian Eriksen.

The Dane last started a game back in January while his previous appearance came off the bench against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final humdinger.

The 32-year-old has managed a grand total of 135 minutes so far in 2024 while starting only 11 games this campaign as opposed to 32 games last term.

The former Tottenham Hotspur star had made it clear to Ten Hag that he was far from impressed with his lack of minutes while also showcasing his talents on the international stage during the last international break.

There have been multiple rumours linking him with an exit with the likes of Brentford, Galatasaray, Ajax and Saudi Arabian clubs chasing his signature.

When asked about his decreased utilisation of the Denmark international, Ten Hag pointed out that the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo has led to reduced minutes for Eriksen.

“I think that [Kobbie Mainoo’s progress] is the main reason. He [Kobbie] was so important for us, he is playing in that six/eight role, [to] bring creation to the team, bring composure, in our possession game, to the team.

“I think that is the main reason why Christian has less minutes than last season,” the former Ajax coach said during the pre-match press conference.

EtH on Eriksen

It is also true that the former Inter Milan man has lost more than a yard of pace and this season, he has struggled to come to terms with the frenetic pace of the English game.

Mainoo, on the other hand, has looked like a superstar and is already a sure-shot starter in every game.

But with no Amrabat, Mount and Casemiro, Eriksen might finally get an opportunity against Coventry City at Wembley on Sunday and he could partner the academy graduate from the start.

And against a team who could defend in a low block, the Dane’s ethereal passing could be just the thing needed to break it down. The Red Devils will be eyeing back-to-back FA Cup final appearances and Eriksen could be about to play a pivotal role.

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