Erik ten Hag gives fitness update on Christian Eriksen and Aaron Wan-Bissaka ahead of Man Utd vs Brentford

Erik ten Hag has said Christian Erisken will not be involved in Manchester United’s squad for the Premier League clash against Brentford on Wednesday, but revealed the player is set to return to team training.

The midfielder has not played since January due to an ankle injury he sustained following a robust challenge from Andy Carroll. But last week Ten Hag revealed the player is closing in on a return to the team ‘in the coming weeks’.

Speaking on Tuesday, ahead of the clash with the Bees at Old Trafford, Ten Hag gave a further positive update on the Danish international.

“Not for tomorrow [will Eriksen be available],” he said. “But he is returning on the pitch and is returning to team training today. We need to see how he progresses.”

Meanwhile, the United said Aaron Wan-Bissaka will also be return to training on Tuesday. The right-back missed the weekend loss to Newcastle United through illness, but should be available for Brentford encounter at Old Trafford.

United have switched between right-backs over the last few months, and Ten Hag was asked which factors he considers when deciding whether to start Wan-Bissaka or Diogo Dalot.

“I think it’s really close competition between them,” he explained. “Maybe Aaron gives you a little more defending, Diogo a little more offence.

“But they both made progress in both areas, it’s really close. You look at the opponent, the load of the players to manage when you have two almost equal players. The form is also an issue and then of course, how is the team, how are they doing in the moment, and you make their decisions.”

One full-back who has impressed this term is Luke Shaw, with the former Southampton man signing an extended United contract on Tuesday. Ten Hag said Shaw’s new deal is rich reward for his impressive form this season.

“I think it’s a good message, an England international, is doing really well this season. I’m really happy with him, he’s a modern left full-back but can also play other positions: left centre-back. He matches the standards we want to have, it sends a very good message.”