Ten Hag explains why Eriksen and Rashford are not starting vs Newcastle

Kick-off at Old Trafford is less than an hour away as Erik ten Hag eyes a third consecutive win at home. Newcastle stand as the opposition on the day, with the Magpies losing just one game thus far.

As the teams were unveiled, there were two notable exclusions in the United side. Christian Eriksen and Marcus Rashford, two of United’s best players this season, have both been left out of the starting eleven.

Eriksen has even been left out of the squad whilst Rashford has been named on the bench. Speaking ahead of kick-off, Ten Hag has now reportedly revealed why.

According to BBC journalist Shamoon Hafez, the boss has explained that Eriksen misses the game altogether due to illness and Rashford is not fit enough to start the game, with the 24-year-old also feeling under the weather.

Ten Hag says Christian Eriksen is out through illness and Marcus Rashford is on the bench as he is "under the weather and not 100% fit". #MUFC

— Shamoon Hafez (@ShamoonHafez) October 16, 2022

In their places, Jadon Sancho has been handed a lifeline following his positive cameo against Omonia, in which he played a part in the late winning goal.

Fred has been offered a rare start in place of Eriksen, with the Brazilian making up a recognisable midfield alongside compatriot Casemiro.

SN’s verdict… United have games of huge importance coming up in the next couple of days and Ten Hag will be praying that both players recover as soon as possible.

Tottenham make the trip to Old Trafford on Wednesday and just days later, United will be facing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

We are yet to see United play a Premier League game without Eriksen in the side and it will be interesting to see how different their build-up play is.