Manchester United vs Everton
Premier League
Saturday
8th April 2023
Old Trafford
Ten Hag gives a positive update about Eriksen, opportunity beckons for Malacia
Christian Eriksen is ready for his return in the shirt of Manchester United. The Danish midfielder has recovered from an ankle injury and will return to the Premier League’s fourth-placed squad against Everton. Luke Shaw is missing.
Eriksen suffered the injury in the FA Cup game with Reading at the end of January. Due to Andy Carroll, the 31-year-old veteran was out of circulation for more than two months. Erik ten Hag can again rely on Eriksen against Everton and the Dutch manager is satisfied with that. “I was very angry about that tackle. In the beginning we were afraid that he would not play again this season, but Eriksen has worked hard and so has the medical staff.’
At the press conference leading up to the home game with Everton, Ten Hag also received bad news from the medical staff. Shaw, who extended his contract at Old Trafford this week, is not there. The multifunctional defender left the training field on Wednesday with an unknown injury. “Shaw is not available,” Ten Hag confirmed. “Next week we’ll see if he’s making progress.”
Malacia expected to start
Shaw’s absence could affect Tyrell Malacia. The Orange-international normally has to make do with a role in the second plan, but due to the injury of his competitor, he has the prospect of a basic place. Whether that also applies to Wout Weghorst remains to be seen. The 30-year-old striker started midweek against Brentford on the bench for the first time since joining United.
Dyche warns about old acquaintance Weghorst: “Don’t underestimate”
Weghorst has received some criticism in recent weeks after his performances for Manchester United. In Dyche’s eyes, this is not justified. Everton’s manager stands up for the Orange international that he brought to Burnley in 2022.
“He is a very good player. He works hard and is very professional,” Dyche said ahead of Everton’s game against Manchester United. “I certainly wouldn’t underestimate him. He’s a very good player, that’s why I brought him to Burnley.”
Although Weghorst made little impression at The Clarets with two goals, Dyche has very positive experiences. “He’s a real professional. He was when I had him under my wing at Burnley. I hope he is not such a good professional when he comes into action on Saturday,” he added.
Weghorst left after Burnley’s relegation on a rental basis to Besiktas to return to English football with Manchester United last transfer period.
