Manchester United might have to reunite a midfield partnership they were open to selling

Casemiro and Christian Eriksen arrived at Manchester United in the same transfer window and this summer they could have left in the same window. United were open to selling Casemiro, but a market never really formed for the Brazilian, while they were open to offers for Eriksen towards the end of the summer.

In a window when the club desperately tried to raise funds, offloading two 32-year-olds whose best days appeared to be behind them would have made sense. The problem with Casemiro is finding any club outside of Saudi Arabia willing to match the salary he is on at Old Trafford. At the same time, Eriksen was content to stay put rather than push for a move away.

It did appear they had been bypassed in terms of the pecking order in midfield, however. The £42m addition of Manuel Ugarte was seen as a replacement for Casemiro. Eriksen's place was in jeopardy after the £55m deal for Mason Mount last summer and the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo.

ALSO READ: United have found an unexpected ally amid familiar criticism

ALSO READ: United are vulnerable to the tactic taking Premier League by storm

But Erik ten Hag knows better than anyone how quickly injuries can force plans to change, and this weekend his two 32-year-old midfielders could be reunited for a Premier League game for the first time since the catastrophic 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in May.

With Mainoo now out for around a month with a hamstring injury, Mount still working his way back to fitness, and Ugarte a late returner from international duty having limped out of Uruguay's final game with a knock, Ten Hag might have little choice but to start Casemiro and Eriksen behind Bruno Fernandes.

The United manager does have other options. He has already handed Toby