Casemiro faces longer exile after Man Utd star proves Erik ten Hag right in FC Twente draw

Casemiro is out of favour under Erik ten Hag. (Image: GETTY)

Are you a believer in the age-old saying 'everything happens for a reason'? Christian Eriksen might well be. Almost a month has passed since Manchester United's 3-0 defeat against Liverpool at Old Trafford. Casemiro produced one of the most self-destructive displays in recent memory in the first half.

In the weeks that have followed, the 32-year-old started and performed well in United's 7-0 Carabao Cup rout against League One Barnsley.

But he had to settle for a second-half cameo against Southampton, was an unused substitute at Crystal Palace and was named on the bench again for FC Twente's Europa League visit on Wednesday.

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In his absence, Eriksen has launched a surprise renaissance that no one would've predicted when he seemed certain to leave United in the summer.

The Danish playmaker, also 32, has started four games in 11 days since club football returned after the September international break.

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And he's made his mark in each of them. Eriksen was a crucial cog in United's engine room during the 3-0 victory at Southampton.

He followed that up with a stellar showing against Barnsley, registering two goals and an assist to remind those watching of the technical quality he still possesses.

Eriksen then didn't look out of place in the 0-0 draw at Palace - creating three chances - before opening the score against Twente with a thunderous first-half strike.

Christian Eriksen has three goals in as many games. (Image: Getty) Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp

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It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows on Wednesday night. A lapse in concentration gifted Sam Lammers the ball before the Twente striker earned the visitors a 1-1 draw in the 68th minute.

But United's No. 14 was otherwise flawless. He has already recorded as many direct goal involvements this season as he did throughout the entirety of last term (four).

His unstoppable effort to open the hosts' Europa League account was his 20th contribution since his arrival in 2022 - scoring six goals and providing 14 assists.

Ten Hag has faced intense scrutiny for his decision to recruit Eriksen and Casemiro in his first summer as United boss two years ago.

That is no surprise, considering the experienced duo's notable drop in form across the 2023/24 campaign that prompted the expectation that they would depart.

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But Eriksen enjoyed a strong first season after his free transfer to M16, and he appears primed to play an important role until his contract expiry next summer.

Kobbie Mainoo is undoubtedly Ten Hag's first-choice midfielder. Manuel Ugarte will be his first-choice partner once the new £50million arrival is ready to start regularly.

When that time comes, Eriksen looks to be first in line to provide cover. Mason Mount has also been used in a deeper role at United while captain Bruno Fernandes remains immovable in attacking midfield.

And that will condemn Casemiro to fourth or even fifth in the midfield pecking order, a precarious situation for a five-time Champions League winner.

Casemiro faces longer exile after Man Utd star proves Erik ten Hag right in FC Twente draw

Casemiro faces longer exile after Man Utd star proves Erik ten Hag right in FC Twente draw

Casemiro faces longer exile after Man Utd star proves Erik ten Hag right in FC Twente draw

Casemiro faces longer exile after Man Utd star proves Erik ten Hag right in FC Twente draw

Casemiro faces longer exile after Man Utd star proves Erik ten Hag right in FC Twente draw