Christian Eriksen, one of Erik ten Hag’s first signings as Manchester United manager in 2022, had a reduced role last season. The 32-year-old midfielder, who experienced a cardiac arrest during the 2021 European Championship, was linked to a potential return to his former club Ajax and Belgian side Anderlecht during a busy transfer window. However, after the transfer deadline passed, Eriksen chose to stay at United and has since made a significant impact following his return to the starting line-up.
Eriksen made his first start of the season in Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Southampton, where he followed up with a brace in Tuesday’s 7-0 thrashing of Barnsley in the League Cup third round. Expressing his contentment, Eriksen said, “I feel very good being at United. If they told me to leave I would leave, but I didn’t hear that.” He emphasized his desire for stability for his family while also wanting to contribute on the pitch.
With his contract expiring next year, Eriksen acknowledged the uncertainty of his long-term future, stating, “There’s one year left, so my focus is going to be on this year, going full out and see what happens afterwards.” Since Eriksen’s return to the starting line-up, United have scored ten goals without conceding, showcasing the positive influence he has had on the team.
When asked about the increased competition in United’s midfield, Eriksen downplayed suggestions that he might have discussed his playing time with Ten Hag. “It’s difficult to ask the manager in the off-season how many minutes I’m going to get in a season,” he said. “If he starts promising minutes to players, we’re going to have a long season! There was no speaking in that sense, just head down, work hard, and focus on each game.”
