ERIK: THE BOYS FROM BRAZIL WILL SOLDIER ON WITHOUT CHRISTIAN

ERIK TEN HAG is backing Fred to fill the void left in Manchester United’s midfield by Christian Eriksen’s injury.

Danish star Eriksen will be KO’D for at least three months following a nasty challenge from Andy Carroll (the pair below) in Saturday’s 3-1 FA Cup win. With Scott Mctominay also sidelined for a few weeks, Ten Hag has been left with just two fit central midfielders – Brazil duo Fred and Casemiro (top, with compatriot Antony).

Fred and Casemiro will link-up for tonight’s semi-final second leg against Nottingham Forest, with Ten Hag’s side holding a commanding 3-0 lead.

The duo star together at international level and Ten Hag believes Fred has the quality and personality to step up and ease the blow of losing Eriksen for so long.

“He plays with Casemiro in the Brazil squad,” said Ten Hag. “I’d say that’s not the worst squad in the world.

“They have so many choices they can make, but they often prefer to play them together and that tells you something about the quality Fred has and what he can contribute.

“He’s done that several times.

When I see his performance, for instance, against Tottenham and Manchester City, and when he’s coming on in the last game he scored a goal, so he has a lot of qualities and they’re a really good combination.

“I think you can never fill that gap left by Eriksen because every player has his own characteristics and identity. Another player will always fill it in in a different way, but that doesn’t mean you have to be less successful.

“Christian brings top quality and especially he has talents that are hard to replace, for instance his impact in the final third with his final ball.” Eriksen is a huge loss to United as they continue to fight for glory on four fronts – the Premier League, EFL Cup, FA Cup and Europa League.

The 30-year-old star has started 18 of United’s 20 Premier League games and brings a unique creativity to the midfield with his vision and ability to open up defences.

United are 90 minutes away from a first final under Ten Hag in his debut season, with the Dutchman calling for focus, despite his holding a big advantage from the first leg.

“We have a perfect chance to go to Wembley and get a trophy,” added

Ten Hag. “Therefore we have to focus and gather the energy.

“We need a game plan and have to do it with the players available.”

Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho, who has not played since October due to physical and mental issues, are set to return to the squad.