Midfielder Christian Eriksen is one of three first-team players leaving Manchester United this summer. His contract expires at the end of this month.
Eriksen joined United as a free agent in the summer of 2022. He made 107 appearances for the club, registering eight goals and 17 assists.
The Danish midfielder was a regular in the starting line-up in his debut season, featuring as one of the two central midfielders in former manager Erik ten Hag’s 4-2-3-1 formation.
He played a pivotal role in the team’s triumph in the Carabao Cup that season, scoring a goal in the 2-0 win over Burnley in the fourth round. However, he missed the semi-final second leg and final due to injuries.
His playing time was reduced in the 2023/2024 season due to the emergence of youngster Kobbie Mainoo.
Eriksen’s game time diminished further last term. Despite Ten Hag’s departure, new manager Ruben Amorim did not consider him good enough to feature in his 3-4-2-1 formation.
With the Denmark international not in Amorim’s plans and the need to reduce the wage bill, United have decided not to renew his contract.
Eriksen scored a goal against Aston Villa in his last appearance for the club. He has described his stay at Old Trafford as ‘special’.
“I think it was [a fitting way to finish], taking into account the season it’s been,” he told MUTV.
“But the perfect finish to my three years at United. It’s been special. So, yeah, to go out with a goal and a win, and a bit of smile on everyone’s faces, was really nice.”
The 33-year-old also admitted that he ‘enjoyed’ his time at United, especially having won trophies with the Mancunian giants.
Like departing centre-back Victor Lindelof, Eriksen is optimistic that United have a ‘bright future’.
Despite the veteran midfielder’s departure, the Red Devils are not prioritising a move to replace him.
United have prioritised strengthening the attack and signed forward Matheus Cunha from Wolves.
A deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo is also imminent, after which the club are expected to focus on getting a striker.
Stats from transfermarkt.com