Erik Ten Hag: The return of Eriksen and Casemiro could boost Manchester United’s run-in

Erik Ten Hag believes that the return of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro will help Manchester United achieve greater success this season.

Eriksen will be in the squad for the first time since late January when United face Everton at Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime, while Casemiro serves the final match of his four-match domestic suspension.

Ten Hag’s first-choice midfield pairing has not played in the Premier League in nearly three months.

The prospect of having them both available again for the rest of the season as he attempts to finish in the top four was welcomed by the United manager.

After winning the Carabao Cup, Ten Hag believes United can add another trophy in the FA Cup and Europa League.

‘It is clear and obvious that they are two very valuable players for us,’ he said.

‘We all understand how important the midfield is. We had to find a new balance over several games, which is difficult at this point in the season.

‘We are in a good position, competing for the top four in the Premier League, the Europa League quarter-finals, and the FA Cup semi-finals.

‘We’ve already won a cup, so we need to make this a really successful season. We have a fantastic squad, so I am confident of a strong finish to the season and even more silverware.’

Eriksen’s return is a month ahead of schedule, but Ten Hag is still upset about the challenge by Reading striker Andy Carroll, which resulted in ankle ligament damage.

‘It wasn’t for nothing that I was so enraged by that tackle,’ he continued. ‘It was a terrible tackle and a terrible injury. We initially thought we’d lost him for the season.’

The Dutchman also believes that neither of Casemiro’s red cards against Crystal Palace or Southampton were deserved, as the Brazilian serves out his latest suspension.

When asked if Casemiro had been treated unfairly by referees, Ten Hag replied, ‘I don’t know. I have faith in the officials. But, in my opinion, neither was a red card.

‘Everyone who knows football knows it’s not a red card because players can be sent off in every Premier League game.’