Christian Eriksen’s role at Manchester United this season has become a point of contention for the Danish midfielder. After joining from Brentford on a free transfer in 2022, Eriksen quickly became a pivotal figure in the team, contributing significantly to United’s third-place finish and Carabao Cup triumph last season. His partnership with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in midfield was particularly influential.
However, the current campaign has seen a shift in Eriksen’s involvement. With United enduring a challenging season, currently positioned sixth in the Premier League and facing an uphill battle for Champions League qualification, squad dynamics have changed. The team has had to navigate through a series of long-term injuries to key players, including Casemiro’s absence during the festive period due to a hamstring strain and Mason Mount’s prolonged sideline stint until his return in the recent FA Cup victory over Liverpool.
Amidst these challenges, 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo has risen through the ranks, seizing the opportunity to make an impact with 20 appearances so far. His emergence has provided United with a fresh option in midfield, which has inadvertently led to Eriksen assuming a more rotational role. Despite featuring 21 times this season, only 11 of those appearances have been starts, a stark contrast to his regular starting berth in the previous season.
Eriksen’s dissatisfaction with his reduced playing time has prompted discussions with manager Erik ten Hag, as reported by the Danish media outlet Tipsbladet. Eriksen’s experience and quality are undeniable, and his desire for more consistent game time is understandable, especially in a World Cup year. How Ten Hag manages this situation and Eriksen’s expectations will be crucial as United strive to salvage their season and secure a spot in European competition. The resolution of this internal matter could have significant implications for the team’s harmony and performance in the crucial final stretch of the season.
He explained: “I have previously stated that I am not satisfied with not playing, but it’s not something that keeps me up at night.
“The team is performing, and I must respect the role you have alongside. For my part, it has been about working hard and focusing on being fresh for every game, and I am. It is easier now to accept my role than it would have been before.”
Eriksen continued: “I have had a conversation with Erik about being unhappy with the situation and wanting to play as much as possible, but I am available and need to be available for the team, which I am and always will be.
“He said it was the team he had chosen, and Kobbie is doing well, and the rest of the midfield is also performing well, so there is competition for places, which is expected when playing for a top club. There is great competition within the team.”
The 32-year-old later admitted he respects Ten Hag’s decision. He concluded: “Of course, you can be concerned in the long run because I want to play as much as possible. Naturally, you don’t want to always sit on the bench.
“I don’t have that approach to it, but it’s not something that worries me right now.
“Often, when you change teams and win, you don’t change the winning team, and I respect that.”