Manchester United midfield can regain two match-winning qualities vs West Ham

Manchester United won't need reminding of the quality Christian Eriksen can bring and his return from injury should provide a welcome boost this weekend.

Eriksen is in line to make the matchday squad for United's Premier League trip to West Ham on Saturday, an early gift for the final game before Christmas. The 31-year-old has been out of action for six weeks after picking up a knee injury in the 1-0 win at Luton Town last month.

He returned to training earlier this week and will bolster Ten Hag's midfield options going into a hectic period. United started with a midfield three of Sofyan Amrabat, Kobbie Mainoo and Scott McTominay in Sunday's 0-0 draw at Anfield, and so the intelligence of Eriksen will be appreciated.

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Having been a regular starter last season, Eriksen has seen minutes limited with the arrival of Amrabat and Mason Mount, plus the increasing prominence of Mainoo. But even as an option off the bench, the Danish international has been able to exert influence and no more so was that present than in the 1-0 Champions League win at home to FC Copenhagen in October.

He was a half-time change in that game and made an instant difference, dictating the tempo of play and picking passes at will. It was his pinpoint cross that found Harry Maguire to head home the eventual winner.

"He was part of it, definitely," Ten Hag said of Eriksen's importance in the win. "I think our build-up got fluid, more fluid, once he came in. But we made some adjustments in other positions, in other constructions and cooperations.

"But Christian definitely played a big part in that. His