Erik ten Hag can deploy new formidable midfield partnership at Manchester United

Just like that, Manchester United's midfield options are suddenly at full strength once again.

Two-and-a-half months on from feeling the full force of a lumbering Andy Carroll clattering into his ankle, Christian Eriksen made his long-awaited return to action against Everton on Saturday. The playmaker came on for the final 13 minutes and immediately showed just what United have been missing with a wide array of pinpoint passing and classy touches.

Eriksen's return could not have come at a better time for Erik ten Hag. His side have done well to bounce back from the Newcastle defeat with wins against Brentford and Everton but the fixtures are only going to get tougher from here. With United still competing on three different fronts and playing twice a week for a month at least, they need all the bodies they can get.

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Which makes it even better that Casemiro is back too. Though the fear of him picking up yet another suspension can't be escaped, it's certainly exciting to have the Brazilian available again after a four-match domestic ban. United have managed to win three of those four games but they still aren't the same side without their lynchpin holding it all together.

For the first time since January 28, United will be able to line up with Casemiro and Eriksen, a partnership that has been such a driving force behind their transformation, in the heart of midfield again. But, could Ten Hag opt for something different instead?

Bruno Fernandes has been ready and willing to play wherever asked of him by the Dutchman and that has included playing deeper in midfield than he is used to in the last two matches. As Ten Hag explained: "When you miss players you have to find