ERIK TEN HAG has revealed that Christian Eriksen will be back in Manchester United’s match day squad to face Everton tomorrow for the first time since the end of January.
It was feared the midfielder would be out for the season with an ankle injury after a challenge by Andy Carroll in the Red Devils’ FA Cup encounter with Reading.
It is a tackle that still clearly angers the United boss as he lost one of his main playmakers at a crucial stage of the season.
Ten Hag said: “It was a really bad tackle and a really bad injury, it’s settled and now we are very happy with that.
“I think it was not for nothing, I was so angry about that bad tackle.
“We first feared we had lost him for the whole season, but he has worked really well and the medical department did very well.
“He’s returning to the squad and is available for the final stages of the season, so we are very pleased with that.”
But Man Utd will be without Luke Shaw, who came off in the first half of the win over Brentford on Wednesday, seemingly with a tight hamstring.
Ten Hag was pleased with that victory, having criticised his side for a lack of passion and determination in the 2-0 defeat at Newcastle.
Now he has warned they cannot let their levels drop again.
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The Dutchman said: “You have to do it every game. It has to be the standard, you’re playing for Manchester United.
“That’s your responsibility, a player has to deliver when you play for Manchester United. You have to be accountable.
“It’s about a culture, that you can only be a player for Manchester United when you match those standards and do it always. It’s not once.
“From a player who is playing for the top, competing for trophies, competing for winning the Premier League, you have to do it always, consistently.”
While opponents Everton remain close to the relegation zone, there has been an upturn in fortunes since Sean Dyche took over with three wins and three draws from the nine games he has taken charge of.
Ten Hag said: “He is doing a great job, the team is very fit, the physical output is outstanding, so we have to match that.”
