An out-of-favour Manchester United midfielder has suggested that he wants to remain at Old Trafford this summer, despite his uncertain contract situation.
Christian Eriksen was a cornerstone of the Red Devils' success under Erik ten Hag during the 2022-23 season, forming a formidable midfield pairing with fellow new arrival Casemiro.
With Eriksen a regular fixture in the first XI, Man United ended their six-year trophy drought in the EFL Cup and finished third in the Premier League table, thereby earning a return to the Champions League.
The Denmark international has been demoted to a bit-part role this season, though, only managing one goal and two assists in 24 matches in all tournaments and starting a mere 11 Premier League games.
The emergence of Kobbie Mainoo has limited Eriksen's game time this season, although he has started both of the Red Devils' last two top-flight matches with Sheffield United and Burnley amid his side's injury crisis.
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Eriksen hints at seeing out contract
The former Tottenham Hotspur man will soon enter the final year of his three-season agreement with Man United, who have been expected to entertain bids for his services in the upcoming window.
Eriksen recently admitted to being dissatisfied with his situation at the Theatre of Dreams, where Scott McTominay, Mason Mount and Fiorentina loanee Sofyan Amrabat are also competing for midfield minutes.
However, speaking to Tipsbladet - via the Evening Standard - Eriksen insisted that he was "incredibly happy" to pull on the Man United shirt and did not rule out staying for the last year of his contract.
"I still have a year left on the United contract, so for now, I'm still a United player. So what will happen this summer, I don't know," Eriksen said. "But I am incredibly happy to be here. It's a great club and I feel good, so we'll see what happens. But as I said, I have one year left."
Eriksen boasts a total of three goals and 12 assists from 68 matches for Man United, who signed him on a free transfer in 2022 following his successful return to football with Brentford after a distressing cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.
Is there a spot for Eriksen at Man United?
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Eriksen's game time situation could potentially change at Man United in the 2024-25 season, when Fiorentina loanee Amrabat will no longer be around, while McTominay, Casemiro and Donny van de Beek's futures are also up in the air.
The way things are going, Mainoo will be a Man United mainstay for some time, leaving just one midfield spot up for grabs while Bruno Fernandes pulls the strings in the number 10 position.
Eriksen would definitely be a contender to join forces with Mainoo in the middle, although Mount will also have intentions of banishing the injury demons that have plagued his debut campaign at Man United.
Furthermore, the 20-time English champions should pursue at least one new midfielder in the summer window, where Bruno Guimaraes, Youssouf Fofana, Adrien Rabiot and Weston McKennie could be pursued.
Eriksen certainly has experience in his favour, but Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand has admitted that his lack of game time at Man United is a concern, so a parting of the ways may be the best for both parties if the midfielder wishes to prolong his international career.
Ben Knapton
