Manchester United legend Paul Scholes was delighted to see Christian Eriksen back on the bench against West Ham yesterday.
The Danish international had been sidelined with a knee injury for the best part of a month before being named as a substitute at the London Stadium. Scholes believes that the midfielder’s return is a major boost for his former club:
“He’s a big player for them with that quality in midfield. United have really missed him, he’s been out for some time now.”
“Look, I don’t like complaining about injuries because it’s that time of year. But United have missed some very important players that were good for them last year and got them in the top four and won the Carabao Cup.”
“There is still a good team here, he has just not been able to get it out on the football pitch. I think come mid-January when he gets these players back, I think they will be better.”
United’s injury problems have been a big issue for ten Hag
Scholes is correct to point out that manager Erik ten Hag is having to deal with a lengthy injury list at the moment. Even though Eriksen is back fit, Raphael Varane was notably absent from the matchday squad on Saturday afternoon.
The Frenchman put in a stand-out performance against Liverpool last weekend, but he didn’t travel to London after falling ill. Ten Hag was forced into handing a debut to teenager Willy Kambwala instead.
United have 9 players sidelined
In addition to Varane, Anthony Martial is still unavailable, having picked up an illness himself, while the likes of Lisandro Martinez (foot), Mason Mount (calf), Casemiro (hamstring), Harry Maguire (groin) and Victor Lindelof are not expected to return until next month.
Tyrell Malacia (knee) could be out for slightly longer, depending on how his rehab is going, but Amad Diallo is closing in on his comeback from his own knee injury, having been pictured in training this week.
