Following the deadline day signing of Manuel Ugarte, Christian Eriksen's future at Manchester United was not looking particularly encouraging.
The Dane, who joined United on a free transfer in July 2022, had racked up just four minutes worth of football this season prior to the international break, stepping off the bench in the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool.
Few would have anticipated that setback to Arne Slot's side being the last game United played without the former Brentford man in the starting line up. READ MORE: United could correct Sky again over their punditry READ MORE: United have found a partnership they have been waiting 10 years for After a surprise inclusion in the starting XI for the 3-0 win over Southampton a little over a week ago, Eriksen kept his place for the 7-0 mauling of Barnsley in the Carabao Cup three days later and marked the occasion with two goals and an assist.
Having played the full 90 against the League One side, it was considered as a hint he would not start the weekend's trip to Crystal Palace, with Ugarte patiently waiting to make his full Premier League debut.