Erik's return to Reds action is perfect timing

IT'S been easy to focus on the negatives for United over the past week.

- TYRONE MARSHALL

The commanding position chucked away against Sevilla and the damaging run of injuries at a crucial time have made Erik ten Hag's job considerably tougher.

But there are silver linings to be found and one presented itself on the back of another moment of misfortune at the City Ground.

Marcel Sabitzer won't see it that way, but his injury sustained in the warm-up against Nottingham Forest did at least allow for some familiarity to return to Ten Hag's side.

While United can field an XI of injured or suspended players this week, the return of Christian Eriksen between Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in midfield acted as something of a comfort blanket. The top scorer is absent, both central defenders are crocked, there was a right-back at left-back, but Eriksen was pulling the strings once again.

As well as Sabitzer has done recently, this is United's best midfield. The Austrian was only signed because of the ankle injury inflicted on Eriksen by Andy Carroll during the FA Cup win against Reading and he's been a reliable short-term signing, but he can't offer the same injection of quality that Eriksen can.