Erik ten Hag insists Christian Eriksen remains a vital player for Manchester United
The 31-year-old has only started three times in the Premier League this season, and he was again overlooked for a spot in the XI on Saturday against Sheffield United despite the fact that Casemiro was injured.
Scott McTominay featured alongside Sofyan Amrabat in central midfield in Saturday's 2-1 win over the Blades, and Casemiro is now back to fitness, but he will not be involved against Copenhagen in the Champions League on Tuesday evening due to suspension.
Bruno Fernandes is a certain starter, while Mason Mount, Donny van de Beek and Hannibal Mejbri are also options in the middle of midfield.
Kobbie Mainoo is also closing in on a return from an ankle injury, with the 18-year-old expected to be used on a regular basis by Ten Hag this season.
Eriksen has made 10 appearances this season, scoring once and providing one assist, and Ten Hag has insisted that the Denmark international remains a vital player for the club.
«Definitely [he was on the bench] but he takes part in every game. You see his importance when he is on the pitch he has a big influence on our team by creating,» Ten Hag told reporters during his press conference on Monday.
«He is a great player, he is a brilliant player and is very important for our squad. We have many good players. We don't have a squad with 11. We have a squad where there is internal competition and in the back we have some struggle to line up.
»We don't have so many numbers but in the midfield department there is huge competition internally in our squad."
Eriksen penned a three-year deal at Old Trafford upon his arrival
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