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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Smith

Christian Eriksen concern and two more things spotted in Manchester United training

Manchester United quickly switched their focus to Wednesday evening's Premier League showdown with Tottenham Hotspur as they prepared at their Carrington training base on Monday, just 24 hours after their goalless draw with Newcastle United.

The Reds, who did the double over Tottenham last season, beating them 3-0 away and 3-2 at Old Trafford, missed the chance to remain within touching distance of the top-four against the Magpies, producing an uninspiring performance. United, though, did have chances to scoop all three points at the death, squandering golden opportunities through both Fred and Marcus Rashford.

But with another huge game on the horizon against Spurs, who are currently joint-second in the table, United have little time to dwell on what might have been. The Reds have struggled to score goals at a rapid rate of knots in recent weeks, scoring just once in their last two home games.

READ MORE: United have no obvious answer to their Anthony Martial dilemma

Such is the expected clamour for United to score goals at a regular rate to entertain their fans, particularly at home, they will be determined to give their supporters something to shout about against Antonio Conte's side. Therefore, shooting practice is likely to have been high on the agenda at Carrington on Monday.

Below, MEN Sport has picked out three things we noticed from the training session.

No sign of Eriksen

In the images published by United of their latest training session there was no sign of midfielder Christian Eriksen, casting doubt over his availability for the clash with Spurs. The summer signing was absent for the first time this season against Newcastle, being ruled out through illness.

The Dane had started every Premier League fixture prior to Sunday's stalemate and his absence was there for all to see. United missed his ability to dictate proceedings in midfield and pick the lock of the opposition's defence.

Speaking after the draw with Newcastle, Ten Hag admitted that he was not sure if the former Brentford man would be available for the clash with Spurs.

Christian Eriksen missed the clash with Newcastle United. (Visionhaus/Getty Images.)

"I can't tell [if he will face Spurs]," said the United manager. "In our team, he really contributes to what we are at this moment. I don't know if he will be available for Wednesday but I hope, of course."

It is, of course, possible that he did train, just out of shot of the cameras. Ten Hag will provide an update on his fitness in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday lunchtime.

McTominay targets a return

Scott McTominay missed the draw with Newcastle through suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season in the 2-1 win over Everton a week earlier. Coupled with Eriksen's absence, it left United relatively short on central-midfield options.

Fred started the draw with Eddie Howe's side and experienced a difficult afternoon, meaning most United fans would probably like to see a change in midfield against Spurs. If Eriksen is ruled out once again, McTominay will be waiting in the wings to come in.

Scott McTominay (central) took part in a small training exercise on Monday. (Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images.)

The Scotland international trained as expected on Monday and was pictured taking part in a small exercise with the likes of Facundo Pellistri and Rashford. McTominay has started six of United's Premier League matches so far this season.

Youngsters feature again

The sight of members of United's youth squads featuring in first-team training is becoming a familiarity. Ten Hag has been keen to get a close look at members of the Reds' young talent pool ever since arriving at the club, frequently inviting youngsters to train with the senior squad.

It was no different on Monday, either. Alejandro Garnacho, Joe Hugill and Zidane Iqbal were among those pictured taking part, though it is likely that others also featured. United's bench against Newcastle had a youthful look to it as Garnacho and Iqbal were also joined by Kobbie Mainoo.

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