As the summer transfer window approaches, Manchester United, affectionately known as the Red Devils, is gearing up to assess its squad. The club is focused on determining which players will leave and which new talents they aim to recruit for the upcoming season.
Currently, under the management of Ruben Amorim, Manchester United finds itself in 13th place in the Premier League standings after a convincing 3-0 victory over Leicester City in their most recent match. With their hopes of securing silverware this season now largely resting on the Europa League, the team is preparing for a crucial quarter-final clash against Lyon, scheduled to take place following the international break.
In a significant development, Danish midfielder Christian Eriksen has expressed his expectation to depart Manchester United at the season's end, indicating his readiness for a new challenge. Since Amorim's arrival last year, Eriksen's role in the team has fluctuated, and with his contract set to expire in June, he feels it is time to explore new opportunities.
Speaking to the press ahead of Denmark's Nations League quarter-final against Portugal, Eriksen stated, "I’m ready to look for something new. That suits me very well." He noted that the club has not reached out regarding a potential contract extension, leading him to conclude that their collaboration is likely coming to an end. "That’s how I interpret it," he added.
Eriksen, who infamously suffered a cardiac arrest during Denmark’s Euro 2020 match against Finland, has recently regained his place in the starting lineup, having featured in the last two Premier League games after a lengthy absence from league starts since December. However, he clarified, "My intention is not to stay in England."
Joining Manchester United in 2022 after a short stint with Brentford, Eriksen had previously left Inter Milan due to Italian health regulations concerning players fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).
Over his tenure at United, Eriksen has made 99 appearances across all competitions, contributing seven goals. Although Tottenham Hotspur had shown interest in re-signing him before his move to United under then-manager Erik ten Hag, Eriksen’s sights are now set beyond the Premier League.
He reiterated, "The intention is not to stay in England," and expressed a preference for remaining in Europe while ruling out a move to the United States. "We’re not going that far. We would like to stay in Europe, but it’s too early to go home to Denmark. I feel like I have some good years abroad left."
In addition to Eriksen, three other Manchester United players are facing contract expirations this summer, all of whom are likely to leave Old Trafford. Defender Victor Lindelof’s contract will also end; the Swedish international has been with the club for eight years since his transfer from Benfica in 2017.
Furthermore, center-back Jonny Evans, at the age of 37, is anticipated to depart after making over 240 appearances for the club across two separate spells. Lastly, backup goalkeeper Tom Heaton’s contract is set to expire as well, and at 28, he is considering retirement, expressing a desire to transition into coaching.
“I’m prepared to find something new. I’m fine with that. Where it will be, I haven’t decided yet,” Eriksen stated regarding his future. "I’m waiting to see what offers come in. I’m not going to make any hasty decisions, but if the right opportunity arises, I’ll take it."
With his ambition to continue representing the national team, Eriksen remains focused on his career. Despite his past health challenges, including a cardiac arrest during the Euros in 2021, he has fully recovered and played every minute of Denmark’s 2022 World Cup campaign. Holding a record 140 caps and 43 goals for his country, he is just nine goals shy of the national record shared by Poul Nielsen and Jon Dahl Tomasson.
Zainab Y.
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