Christian Eriksen is leaving Man Utd upon the expiry of his contract this summer and he spoke after his final game.
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13:22, 26 May 2025
Christian Eriksen said goodbye to Old Trafford.(Image: 2025 Manchester United FC)
Christian Eriksen feels Manchester United were fortunate not to be relegated this season.
The curtain came down on the worst season in United's modern history on Sunday afternoon, with a miserable campaign ending with a 2-0 victory against Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
Eriksen came off the bench to convert a late penalty to wrap up the win against Villa. The midfielder was gifted the spot kick by Bruno Fernandes, the designated penalty taker, because he is leaving United upon the expiry of his contract this summer.
After the game, Eriksen backed Ruben Amorim to improve United, saying: "I think you’ve seen progress – of course the results haven’t really shown that. 100 per cent they haven’t shown that.
"I think the football we came from Ten Hag to this is obviously going to take time to adapt, and obviously it’s been far below the standard of the club and the players here.
“I think the players individually are very, very good players, and they should never be where we are in the table. It’s up to them to turn it around but, yeah, I’m confident they’ll be a very different team next season, I’m sure."
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However, Eriksen suggested United were "lucky" not to be relegated given the season they had.
“I think unfortunately there’s been a lot of lows this season with the games, and obviously the final was the missing piece. It’s football," he added.
“For me now, I think people are lucky that we are where we are, not relegated with the team with the season we’ve had, so it is also a bit of luck you have to acknowledge. Next season it has to be better, and I’m sure it will be. I’m looking forward to watching it from the sides.”
Eriksen signed on a free transfer in the summer of 2022 and reflected on his three seasons with United. “I’ve really enjoyed my time," he said. "It’s a club I’ve always looked up to – the club size and everything around it. I've loved the pressure, loved the style of play with the different managers and the people at the club.
“I mean, they’ve taken really good care of me and my family, so in that sense I’ve had three very, very good years. Obviously it’s been a lot of ups and downs in football, but I think in general I’ve had a special time.”
About his future, he added: "First of all there’s a bit of a holiday and national team. Then after they we’ll see where next season starts, but at the moment there’s nothing (lined up). There’s options.”
Eriksen ended his time at United with a victory in front of a home crowd. “Yeah, I think it was the best way possible, taking into account, like you said, the season behind us and looking ahead," he said about the team's performance against Villa.
“I think it was the perfect ending, of course, a bad season. But to see people with a smile on their face and you go home and have a good feeling in the stadium, I think that's hopefully something we'll bring into next season and start well.”
Eriksen also thanked United fans for their unwavering support throughout a difficult campaign. “There’s been so many games this season where they [supporters] could have caused a lot of chaos where we’ve been disappointed with our football," he said.
"But obviously the fans, I think to our surprise really, have supported us. Obviously, at home has been, even in the stadium, there’s been games where it’s been not good enough, but they’ve really been supportive and away especially they’ve been even more on their toes and even in the worst times.
“The club is happy to have those supporters who really support the players and the club no matter what.”
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