Erik ten Hag, Manchester United manager, has said he feared that Christian Eriksen would miss the rest of the season due to an ankle injury he sustained in an FA Cup tie with Reading in January.

The Dane was caught by by a tackle from Reading striker Andy Carroll during United’s 3-1 win on January 28 and left Old Trafford on crutches.

He has not featured for Ten Hag’s side since then but returns to the United squad for Saturday’s Premier League encounter with Everton at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag was delighted to have the 30-year-old return ahead of schedule but remained upset at the manner of the injury inflicted on his player by the former Liverpool and Newcastle striker.

“It was not for nothing I was so angry about that tackle,” said the Dutch coach.

“It was a really bad tackle and a bad injury.

“I thought we lost him for the whole season.

“He is ahead of schedule and we are very happy with that.”

Ten Hag also confirmed England defender Luke Shaw would be unavailable for the game against Everton after being substituted in the first half of Wednesday’s win against Brentford.