Erik ten Hag backs Casemiro & Christian Eriksen to spearhead Man Utd trophy charge

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes that filling out his squad with the returning Casemiro and Christian Eriksen will massively help them in their quest to win more silverware this season.

The Red Devils have already taken home the Carabao Cup and are through to the latter stages of the FA Cup and UEFA Europa League.

Their Premier League form has faltered a little in recent weeks and they face a battle to reach next season’s Champions League.

Ten Hag will soon be able to line up with his preferred midfield partnership for the first time since January though, with Eriksen back in the fold following a serious ankle injury and Casemiro nearing the end of a four-game suspension.

“It is obvious and clear they are two very valuable players for us,” Ten Hag said of the duo at a press conference.

“We all know how important the midfield department is. Over several games, we had to find a new balance and that is not easy at this stage of the season.

“We are in the right spot and we are competing for the top-four of the Premier League, the quarter-final of the Europa League and semi-final of the FA Cup.

“We have already won a cup, so we have to make it a really successful season. We have a great squad, so I am really positive to get a good final stage of the season and even more silverware.”

Eriksen is likely to be on the bench for Saturday’s game against Everton, though after picking up a second red card of the season against Southampton last month, Casemiro still has one more match to serve of his suspension.

His first dismissal came against Crystal Palace in February, with VAR deeming a throat-grab on Will Hughes worthy of a red card. The Brazil international was then sent off for a high challenge on Carlos Alcaraz.

Ten Hag was asked if he thought Casemiro has been treated unfairly by referees, replying: “I don’t know. I trust the refs. But for me, both were definitely not red cards.

“Everybody who knows football, they know that when you play at the top level, you know that is not a red card because then you would get sent off in every game of the Premier League, with many players.”