Having barely featured at all during a mixed start to the new campaign, the Manchester United benchwarmer must have been glad to see the international break roll around.
But as his number flashed up with only 62 minutes played during Denmark’s 2-0 victory over Switzerland in the Nations League on Thursday night, Christian Eriksen soon found himself watching on from the sidelines again.
Interim Denmark coach Lars Knudsen expressed his concerns about Eriksen’s lack of game time ahead of the September break.
The 32-year-old – he says – is in an ‘unsustainable’ position at Manchester United.
Eriksen remains a key part of Knudsen’s plans, but that could soon change unless he can force his way back to Erik ten Hag’s first-team picture over the coming weeks.
Frustrations continue for Manchester United’s Christian Eriksen
It is not often, meanwhile, that Eriksen is subbed off so early when representing his country.
Especially when the game is still goalless, and Denmark are crying out for the sort of defence-splitting creativity that few others are capable of providing.
In fact, the last time Eriksen was subbed off around the hour mark in a match he had started was back in 2021; A 2-0 friendly victory over Bosnia.
Knudsen’s explanation was that Denmark want the veteran playmaker fit and available for Sunday’s clash with a dangerous Serbia side. Perhaps, after playing only four minutes in Man United’s first month of the season, Kasper Hjulmand’s successor was wary about burning out his undercooked skipper.
“We replaced Christian because we also want to be able to use him on Sunday against Serbia,” Knudsen tells tells TV2.
“Christian had actually done well, but we would also like to use Christian on Sunday. It’s no secret.
“He hasn’t played that much lately. And, if we’re going to have a good chance of using him again on Sunday, we thought of taking him out and bringing other forces into play instead.”
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This has been a frustrating year for the former Inter Milan, Ajax and Tottenham Hotspur ace. Eriksen slipped down the pecking order at Old Trafford after the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo.
And while he insists that he is in ‘no rush’ to leave Man United – turning down offers from the MLS, Turkey and the Middle East – suggestions that he could lose his place as Denmark’s on-field talisman may be the wake-up call he needs to pursue a fresh start away from Carrington.
Proposed moves to Ajax and Anderlecht have also been ruled out.
“Now, I haven’t had that many minutes during the season, so I thought he would look after me a bit,” Eriksen says, a little disappointed his early exit from that Switzerland clash.
“But it wasn’t today that I needed to be looked after.
“Apparently, that’s what he decided. I have already said that (he didn’t need to take me off),” he adds with a smile.
“I definitely am (ready to play against Serbia). Then, we’ll have to see what he chooses.”
Eriksen is keen to stay and fight for his place at Man United.
Opportunities should be forthcoming in the next few weeks, with the Red Devils gearing themselves up for an expanded Europa League campaign. There is also an EFL Cup clash with third-tier Barnsley to look forward to.
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