Manchester United might have discovered their most important player in Newcastle draw

When Manchester United released their teamsheet an hour before the start of Sunday's Premier League stalemate with Newcastle United there was an unfamiliar look to it.

For the first time since arriving at the club during the summer transfer window, Christian Eriksen's name was nowhere to be seen on said sheet for a league fixture. The absence of his name on the teamsheet and on the club's Twitter account immediately caused a degree of panic among the fans and marked the beginning of the inevitable question being asked: where is he?

Erik ten Hag quickly provided the answer the fans were looking for during his pre-match interview with United's in-house media, confirming that he had been ruled out because of illness. It was obvious before that, however, that the Dane had been left out because he was unavailable, as opposed to being dropped based on his recent performances.

READ MORE: United player ratings vs Newcastle as Reds stumble in stalemate

He has been one of United's best players so far this season, quickly making himself feel at home at Old Trafford. He has become a firm fans' favourite, such is the way he has played in his first 12 appearances for the club. His absence, coupled with Scott McTominay's suspension and Donny van de Beek's ongoing injury problem, meant that Fred kept his place in midfield, joining forces with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.

The Brazilian started in midweek against Omonia Nicosia, playing alongside the same duo, with Eriksen awarded a rest in the midst of a marathon of fixtures. United missed the Dane's creativity and control until he stepped off the bench with 20 minutes to go as he came on to replace Fred.

After his introduction against the Cypriot minnows, United had a greater degree of