33-year-old Dane Christian Eriksen is leaving Manchester United before the next season starts.
Eriksen’s three-year contract expires at the end of June, however, the club will not renew it.
The Danish midfielder has played in 107 matches for United, but his scoring only eight goals is testimony to the fact that he has been primarily used as a fringe player.
Eriksen was already a seasoned pro when he joined Manchester United in 2022, having spent a seven-year-long stint at Tottenham Hotspur, two years at Inter Milan and then a year at Brentford.
Eriksen has won an FA Cup and EFL Cup with the Red Devils, but his stint at United can hardly be called a success.
A Fading Role in a Changing System
Eriksen primarily played as a holding midfielder in United’s 4-2-3-1 and later in a 3-4-3 under Ruben Amorim, though he has played as a make-shift left-winger in a 3-4-3 at times this season as well.
Eriksen is lucky to be still playing football, having suffered a collapse on the pitch at the European Championships in 2021.
He has not shown any signs of a physical problem since he recovered. However, with more than 600 senior club matches under his belt, his days as a professional player are numbered.
It is very unlikely for him to secure a contract at another top club.
Eriksen played at Tottenham as a No. 10 and was also known for his prowess from set-pieces.
However, with the combination of double-pivots continuously changing and Bruno Fernandes playing as the No. 10 usually.
Even a young player like Kobbie Mainoo was given an advanced role at times ahead of Eriksen, which virtually signalled that the club was not including the Dane in their long-term plans.
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No Fairytale Ending for Christian Eriksen at Old Trafford
United already have Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Mason Mount and Mainoo, who can and have all played as holding midfielders.
Although Mount is not a typical holding midfielder, he might have to play as one in the future if he stays at United.
Casemiro is also in his twilight years as a professional player and his contract with the Red Devils ends next year. Therefore, they might decide to keep him for another year.
Besides, it might be difficult to find buyers for Casemiro as well.
However, as things stand Eriksen will be another player, who will leave the club with some disappointment at the professional level.
One can only hope that he finds a suitable club for his swansong.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / PRiME Media Images
Recording Date: 25.05.2025