(Football news) The 32-year-old made 44 appearances for Manchester United in all competitions the previous year, contributing 10 assists and two goals, but he has subsequently dropped in the standings this season.
Eriksen, in fact, has only started 11 of his 21 games in 2023–24, playing the entire 90 minutes just four times. The last time he was used was as a substitute during United’s thrilling 4–3 overtime victory against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarterfinals last weekend.
Eriksen hasn’t played much first team football lately due to injuries and the rise of young sensation Kobbie Mainoo, who has started with Casemiro in center midfield on a regular basis.
The Denmark international has acknowledged the form of those around him in the midfield department, but he is still “not satisfied” with his current situation at the club and has made it known to Ten Hag.
“I have previously stated that I am not satisfied with not playing, but it’s not something that keeps me up at night,” Eriksen told Danish newspaper Tipsbladet.
“The team is performing, and I must respect the role you have alongside. For my part, it has been about working hard and focusing on being fresh for every game, and I am. It is easier now to accept my role than it would have been before.
“I have had a conversation with Erik about being unhappy with the situation and wanting to play as much as possible, but I am available and need to be available for the team, which I am and always will be.
“He said it was the team he had chosen, and Kobbie is doing well and the rest of the midfield is also performing well, so there is competition for places, which is expected when playing for a top club. There is great competition within the team.
“Of course, you can be concerned in the long run because I want to play as much as possible. Naturally, you don’t want to always sit on the bench.
“I don’t have that approach to it, but it’s not something that worries me right now. Often when you change teams and win, you don’t change the winning team, and I respect that.”
Eriksen faces the prospect of being pushed further down the pecking order now that Mason Mount has recovered from a long-term calf injury, with Ten Hag recently stating that the Englishman can become a “key player” in his first-team plans.
The playmaker is trying to participate in friendlies against Switzerland and the Faroe Islands in an effort to create an impression during Manchester United’s international break with Denmark this month.
Eriksen’s contract at Old Trafford is set to expire in June 2025. He joined the Red Devils in the summer of 2022 on a free transfer from Brentford.
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