Christian Eriksen has informed Erik ten Hag that he is not satisfied with his limited role at Manchester United this season.
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Eriksen frustrated with lack of game timeStarted just nine matches this seasonLinked with summer exitWHAT HAPPENED?
The 32-year-old has featured in just 21 matches across all competitions in 2023-24, with only nine of those coming as a starter, after falling behind Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Scott McTominay in the midfielder pecking order. The lack of game time has left the experienced playmaker frustrated, and he has made it clear to Ten Hag that he wants to be more involved going forward.
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In an interview with , the Denmark international said: "I’ve said in the past that I’m not happy with not playing, but it’s not something I lose sleep over. The team performs and then I have to respect the role you have on the side. For me, it’s been working hard and focusing on being fresh for every game, and I am. It’s easier now to accept my role than it was before."
He added: "I have had a conversation with Erik (ten Hag) that of course I am unhappy with the situation and that I want to play as much as possible, but that I am available and must be available for the team, which I am and always will be. He said it was the team he had chosen and Kobbie (Mainoo) is doing well and the rest of the centre is doing well too, so there is competition for places, which is to be expected when you play for a top club. There is a lot of competition in the team."
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The midfielder also hinted that he could consider a summer transfer, as he still wants to play regular football. "Of course you can be worried in the long run, because I want to play as much as possible," Eriksen said. "You don’t want to sit on the bench all the time. I don’t have that approach, but it’s not something that worries me right now. It’s often the case that when you change teams and win, you don’t change the winning team, and I respect that."
GETTYWHAT NEXT FOR CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN?
The Red Devils star, who is still under contract at Old Trafford until 2025, will now turn his attention to international football. Denmark are set to face Switzerland and the Faroe Islands in friendly matches on March 23 and 26 respectively.