If it was anyone other than the Manchester United star, he would surely have lost his place in the national team set up by now.
But Christian Eriksen is no ordinary Dane. A ‘Great Dane’, if you will.
Removing him from the Denmark squad – regardless of his lack of game time at Manchester United – is a decision that must be made with emotion as well as logic.
Eriksen is a living legend of Danish football. Lars Knudsen, the country’s interim head coach, need only look at the criticism that came Steve McClaren’s way when he dropped David Beckham from his England selection back in 2006 to realise the severity of the storm that may come his way.
So, as a result, Eriksen is there again. In the Denmark roster for September’s Nations League fixtures.
But Knudsen’s patience only stretches so far. With further international breaks to come in October and November, the man stepping into Kasper Hjulmand’s shoes is warning Eriksen that another season warming the Old Trafford bench could send the veteran playmaker into exile with only a change of circumstances – or a change of club – capable of saving him.
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Christian Eriksen stuck in Manchester United limbo
“Christian is a player who can still contribute a lot. We also saw that during the European Championships,” Knudsen tells Bold, Eriksen rolling back the years with a fine strike against Slovenia in the group-stages.
“But it is clear that his current situation is unsustainable in the long run.”
When pressed further on whether Eriksen would need to leave England’s north west, Knudsen insisted that the colour of his shirt makes no odds. Only the time he spends on the pitch matters.
“I hope Christian will play football. Whether it’s at Manchester United or somewhere else, time will tell,” adds the caretaker boss. “The fact is that he has to play more.”
Eriksen has not featured in any of Man United’s three games so far in 2023/24. He watched on from the bench against Manchester City, Fulham and in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion.
The return to fitness of Mason Mount – although the former Chelsea man did pick up an ‘issue’ at The Amex – and the impending arrival of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain look set to restrict Eriksen’s involvement even further.
And that is without mentioning the potential breakout of Toby Collyer.
Anderlecht move played down for Denmark star
A return to Ajax – the club where he made his name before joining Tottenham 11 years ago – has been mentioned in the media. So has a switch to Anderlecht with their head coach – Brian Riemer – having worked alongside Eriksen at Brentford.
Anderlecht CEO Jesper Fredberg, however, insists that the 32-year-old is likely to be far too expensive given the size of his wages.
“I myself have never mentioned the name Christian Eriksen, but of course I know Christian. He is a top player who is still contracted for one year at a top club,” Fredberg tells Het Nieuwsblad of the 32-year-old, due to become a free-agent in 2025.
“At the moment, (signing Eriksen) doesn’t seem realistic. But if a door suddenly opens, I want to be the first to step in.
“It’s not just about what Manchester United is asking for. It will also be about the player’s salary demands in such a case.”
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Fabrizio Romano insists that United have received no ‘formal’ offer for Eriksen all summer.
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