The arrival of Ruben Amorim as Erik ten Hag’s replacement promises to bring about substantial change at Manchester United.
But what it means for those facing an uncertain future at Old Trafford – their contracts entering their final few months – remains to be seen.
It is understood that Harry Maguire is determined to stay at Man United and earn himself fresh terms. The stallion-sized centre-half certainly looks well suited to ‘Amorim-ball’. the former Sporting boss preferring athletic defenders capable of driving into midfield from his three-at-the-back system.
What the future holds for Victor Lindelof – behind Maguire, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez and Jonny Evans – is less certain. Evans himself will be a free-agent in 2025, and who could blame the 36-year-old if he opts to rest his aching limbs.
As for Christian Eriksen, the Dane’s fine form in the dying embers of the Erik ten Hag era at Manchester United had some wondering if a new contract should be in the offing for a man with seven goal contributions in his last 11 appearances.
Christian Eriksen does not rule out January exit from Manchester United
Eriksen opted to stay at Man United over the summer despite interest from former employers Ajax as well as an Anderlecht side who’s former head coach – Brian Riemer – recently took the Denmark job.
But, speaking ahead of Riemer’s Denmark debut against Spain in the UEFA Nations League on Friday, Eriksen admits that the time will soon come to sit down with Man United’s bosses and make a decision.
And, with reports suggesting that United will not stand in the veteran’s way should he receive an offer in the winter, Eriksen does not rule out conclusions being drawn mid-season.
“I haven’t focused on [my future] yet. Nor have I heard anything from the club,” Eriksen, who earns £150,000-a-week, tells reporters during a press conference on Wednesday. “There are a lot of different things to look at right now.
“So it’s just about football now, and then we have to see where we stand in January and, for that matter, in the summer.
“I have not made any hopes or expectations about where I stand. When I return to Manchester, I will start from day one [under Ruben Amorim].
“When a new coach comes in, he will follow his own ideas and plans. Then, it may not be so important what you have done in the past. As a footballer, you just turn up, train and do what you can. Then, it is the coach who sets the team for the weekend.
“It is normal in football that a new coach comes in sometimes. It’s not something I’ve tried that often, but it happened a couple of times in Tottenham.”
Eriksen excited by Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Man United
As demonstrated as Sporting hammered Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the Champions League last week, Ruben Amorim tends to utilise aggressive central midfielders capable of dictating tempo in possession and hassling the opposition off-the-ball.
Allegedly, Amorim has told Man United that ‘intensity’ is a must. And with Eriksen no longer at the peak of his physical powers, the 32-year-old looks like being one of those with the most to lose from a change in the dugout.
That does not mean he is not excited about the prospect of a fresh start at Old Trafford, however.
Eriksen’s counting down the days until he can work with Amorim, with the Portuguese set to begin his United reign at home to Ipswich Town on November 24th.
“I am looking forward to coming back [to Man United]. Of course, I’ve seen his results recently,” Eriksen says. “I have seen how much Sporting has suddenly come into the media and won a lot of games – including against Manchester City!
“I hope [Ruben Amorim] comes in and creates a breath of fresh air. Then, we have to see how it goes.”
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