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After dismantling Leicester City in the Carabao Cup, Manchester United will face a much tougher test on Sunday as they take on Chelsea at Old Trafford.
Last weekend’s dismal defeat to West Ham marked the end of Erik ten Hag’s reign at Old Trafford with Ruud van Nistelrooy placed in interim charge.
The former United striker’s first game against the Foxes saw the players play with a lot of freedom, something they lacked under the former coach.
His chosen midfield partnership of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte starred on Wednesday and they sent a not-so-subtle sign to the former Ajax coach.
Eriksen injury cloud
It will be interesting to see if Van Nistelrooy makes any changes to the team for the encounter against the London side, especially in midfield.
Christian Eriksen, who was a regular under the former manager this season, had missed the Leicester City game through injury and the interim manager is still not sure about his involvement for Sunday’s game.
Van Nistelrooy told club media that the medical staff are working to ensure the Dane’s presence in the matchday squad but it is touch-and-go at the moment.
“Not many changes. We’re still hoping and working hard to get Christian Eriksen part of the squad. He’s working hard to make it in the last moment. And other than that, there’s no news on players that will be available, any other than yesterday.”
Eriksen’s future
The Denmark international has four goals and three assists this season, the club’s joint second-highest scorer and had proven to be integral to Ten Hag’s plans.
Whether Van Nistelrooy will utilise him as much remains to be seen. The 32-year-old’s form had prompted questions regarding United’s approach of not offering the midfielder a contract extension with his current deal ending in 2025.
As relayed by The Peoples Person, incoming head coach Ruben Amorim has different plans and he is open to letting the Danish star leave.
Eriksen is the best passer at the club but Amorim’s system dictates the need to include a player with a great engine, something the former Tottenham star lacks.
Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images
