Manchester United eased to a win over Nottingham Forest, with the victory proving once again how important Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes are to the Red Devils.
Eriksen was a late addition to the United starting line-up at the City Ground, with the Dane having been set for a place on the bench. But Marcel Sabitzer was injured during the warm-up, with Eriksen parachuted into the starting XI in his place.
That proved to be a lucky omen for the Red Devils, with Eriksen starring in a much-needed win for Erik ten Hag's side. In fact, all three of their central midfield trio were in impressive form, with Casemiro and Fernandes also playing key roles.
The win was United's 15th in all competitions when Eriksen, Fernandes and Casemiro have started together. The other two games the trio have featured in from the off ended in draws, giving United an 88 per cent win rate when they start.
That impressive record has helped United to win the Carabao Cup, reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup and make the quarter-finals of the Europa League. This latest victory further proves to Ten Hag who his most important three players are.
Their performance at the City Ground left legendary United midfielder Roy Keane hailing the trio. He picked out both Fernandes and Eriksen for their roles in a win which boosts United's hopes of finishing in the top four.
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"Brilliant. Brilliant player," Keane told Sky Sports of Fernandes. "He’ll be disappointed he didn’t score but the quality of his balls into the box, if you’re a striker it’s a dream. You make runs and he can pick you out.
"They gave him plenty of time today, he’s obviously got a good relationship with Eriksen and the players around him - I just think he’s pure quality. I know we criticised him before the game about when United don’t win football matches, but not many players could play that pass.
"He’s two steps ahead in terms of his quality and the picture he has of the football pitch, some of his passes and the movement, I think the guy is pure quality. He’ll be disappointed he hasn’t scored but great day for him. Very comfortable."
Keane was also full of praise for Eriken, who was making his first Premier League start since the defeat at Arsenal in January. The Dane has been ruled out with injury for more than two months, but picked up where he left off against Forest.
"To judge a good player, his decision-making, his pass, when to do the right thing, when to take one touch, when to take two touches, and he showed that quality today. But, Forest gave him far too much time and space," he added.
"Very, very comfortable for United, Forest very, very open, they’re obviously struggling confidence-wise. They lacked that little bit of quality and United should have scored more goals, only for the Forest ‘keeper who was absolutely outstanding."
