EKO HOT BLOG reports that Manchester United playmaker, Christian Eriksen was a surprise absentee as Erik ten Hag named his Manchester United starting XI to face Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
The Dane has started every single league match so far this season and has been one of United’s standout performers following his move to the club.
Eriksen started Thursday’s Europa League win against Omonia on the bench, with Ten Hag seemingly giving the Dane a rest ahead of today’s clash against the Magpies.
However, there was a surprise as Fred was named alongside Casemiro in United’s midfield. Eriksen was not even named on the bench.
But Eriksen’s absence is expected to be a short-term one as the Dane is missing through illness for today’s game.
“He’s ill,” said Ten Hag.
“So we have some illness [in the squad], Marcus Rashford is also under the weather, also not feeling quite well but has enough energy to play a couple of minutes today in the game.’”
That means Eriksen is likely to return for Wednesday’s clash against his former side Tottenham at the Theatre of Dreams.
Elsewhere, Raphael Varane returned to the side after coming off in the 6-3 defeat to Manchester City with an ankle injury.
Victor Lindelof dropped to the bench, while the suspended Scott McTominay was unavailable.
Marcus Rashford was replaced by Jadon Sancho, who impressed during his cameo appearance against Omonia.
Cristiano Ronaldo started up front after scoring against Everton last Sunday, while Anthony Martial has failed a late fitness test.
Click to watch our video of the week:
President Bola Tinubu redeployed 11 federal permanent secretaries across ministries. Handovers must be finalized by…
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has described allegations that…
35 Killed in Ibadan Funfair Tragedy, Agidigbo FM Chairman Hospitalized Oriyomi Hamzat, Chairman of Agidigbo…