“We are not there at the moment” - Manchester United star opens up contract saga amidst summer exit rumours
Christian Eriksen has suggested talks over extending his stay at Manchester United aren't close to taking place as speculation grows over his future. The Danish midfielder's contract expires at the end of the season, and he's unsure whether he'll remain at Old Trafford.
The 32-year-old was linked with Ajax, Anderlecht, Real Betis, and several other clubs in the summer. He'd endured a frustrating 2023-24 campaign due to a lack of game time but has been a prominent member of Erik ten Hag's team this season.
Eriksen had no plans to leave with his family settled, and the club hadn't voiced a desire to sell. He told Bold while on international duty with Denmark (via the Express):
"I had no thoughts about moving on, and I didn't hear from the club that they wanted to sell me or that I had to leave. I really just felt that the family and I were doing really well. If something really exciting came along, or something where I really felt: 'I want to try this,' then fair enough, but it wasn't something that I had to leave."
Eriksen has made eight appearances across competitions this season, registering three goals and as many assists. He's been one of United's better performers in a disappointing run of form for Ten Hag's side.
The veteran Dane alluded to his contract situation and the possibility of a departure:
"No, we are not there at the moment [talks about staying put]. I have one year left, and then we can have another conversation next year when you stand in a different place."
Eriksen joined Manchester United as a free agent in July 2022 after a short spell at Brentford. He's won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup with the Red Devils, making 80 appearances with six goals and 16 assists.
"I'm really happy" - Erik ten Hag spoke glowingly of Manchester United's signing of Eriksen
Ten Hag previously met Eriksen at Ajax during his reign at the Johan Cruyff Arena. The former Tottenham Hotspur playmaker trained with the Eredivisie giants to improve his fitness after recovering from a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.
The Dutch coach was thrilled to bring Eriksen to Manchester United as one of his first signings. He said in the summer of 2022 (via All Football):
"The fact that we have got him, we have him now in our squad, tells everything, because I think we were really selective. It was not the point to get players in, but the right players in. I'm really happy that we succeeded with Christian Eriksen."
Eriksen hit the ground running in his debut season with two goals and 10 assists in 44 games across competitions. His experience and ball-playing abilities were a hit with Manchester United fans, and he's reassumed a consistent starting role this season.