KEY POINTS

  • Manchester United were held at a 1-1 draw by Newcastle
  • Red Devils have 16 points from nine league games
  • Man Utd to next face Spurs in the league on Wednesday

Erik ten Hag is hoping to have Christian Eriksen back on Manchester United's squad ahead of their Premier League meeting with Tottenham Hotspur.

Manchester United missed their summer signing Eriksen in their goalless draw with Newcastle at Old Trafford as the hosts managed just two shots on target.

With three assists in 12 games across all competitions, Eriksen has been a key player under ten Hag for the Red Devils in the 2022-23 campaign. He missed their home league game against Newcastle due to an illness.

Ten Hag is hoping to see the Danish forward contribute for Manchester United when they host Spurs, who have lost just once this season in the Premier League, on Wednesday.

"We miss him when he's not available. But we have a squad and another 11 players on the pitch. So then we have to construct another team and we can bring players from the bench, who are all good. I can't tell [if he will face Spurs]. I know you're from Denmark, and want to know, and I want to express he's played fantastic, in this moment, for us," ten Hag told Danish station Viaplay, according to Man Utd's media.

"In our team, he really contributes to what we are at this moment. I don't know if he will be available for Wednesday but I hope [so], of course," the Dutch boss further said in the same interview.

Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen has signed for Premier League club Brentford
Christian Eriksen joined Manchester United in the summer of 2022 AFP / MARCO BERTORELLO

Another important forward, Marcus Rashford, was also struggling with illness going into the Newcastle game but the English player managed to come off the bench and play for around half an hour. The in-form forward had also even nearly scored the winning goal for the Red Devils.

Rashford has netted five goals and provided three assists in 11 matches for Manchester United across all competitions this season.

With a point earned on Sunday, Manchester United remained fifth in the 2022-23 Premier League table with 16 points from nine matches. They are 11 points behind the table-toppers Arsenal.

After their home game against Spurs, Manchester United are scheduled to travel to London on Sunday to face off against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Blues are currently placed a spot above Manchester United in the Premier League table with 19 points.