‘Strange things’ can happen in a transfer window.
At least, that is the view of a head coach who found himself facing questions recently about a deal that could see him reunite with a Manchester United man he knows well.
Christian Eriksen, by his own admission, is in ‘no rush’ to bring an end to his two-year spell at Old Trafford.
But, then again, neither has he made any secret about how the lack of regular starts has left him frustrated in recent months. Eriksen went from one of the first names on Erik ten Hag’s team sheet to something of a back-up option throughout 2023/24.
It is difficult to imagine the veteran Dane finding game time easier to come by next term either. Particularly if Mason Mount stays fit, Toby Collyer becomes a senior starter, and Man United succeed in adding a few new midfielders to their ranks.
According to CaughtOffside, Man United would accept offers of just £4.2 million with one year left on Eriksen’s contract.
There have been rumours of a return to Ajax – he would be treated like ‘a king’ if he was to make a dramatic return to his old employers – while Belgian giants Anderlecht have reportedly held talks of their own.
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Christian Eriksen could leave Manchester United
Brian Riemer, Anderlecht’s head coach, did not give too much away regarding the current state of discussions.
But he did admit that – having worked with Eriksen at Brentford – he remains in touch with the 32-year-old. Furthermore, Anderlecht have a history when it comes to signing experienced campaigners, having brought in Eriksen’s fellow Denmark international Kasper Schmeichel last summer.
“Look, we are always looking for good players. Connections can mean something. But transfer periods are strange things,” Riemer tells DH Net.
“Last year nobody could have expected (former Borussia Dortmund winger) Thorgan Hazard to be here, until it happened on the last day. Just like with Schmeichel. Doors open and close quickly.”
Riemer, a Dane himself, spent four years working as Thomas Frank’s assistant coach at Brentford.
Jesper Fredberg, Anderlecht’s CEO, also hails from the Scandinavian nation.
Anderlecht switch on the cards
“I know Christian Eriksen well, yes,” Riemer adds, The Bees taking a chance on the former Tottenham ace when he was forced to leave Inter Milan. “We worked together at Brentford three years ago and I still exchange messages with Christian regularly.
“I know that he is now at a training camp in LA with Man United. So I can confirm that he is not in Brussels!
“In general, I can say that Jesper Fredberg and the scouting are working day and night to get reinforcements, but it is not the case that you can just grab players off the shelf. It sometimes takes time to massage certain targets.
“At the end of the window, there is sometimes an opportunity like last season with Thorgan Hazard.”
Eriksen is one of many who could leave Old Trafford in the final week of the window.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka may end up at West Ham United – thus making room for Noussair Mazraoui to arrive from Bayern Munich – while the Red Devils are also open to offers for Casemiro, Facundo Pellistri, Victor Lindelof and co.
“I am really happy at United,” Eriksen told Sky Sports last week. “I have had two very good years and am going into my third. It is a special club and a special place. Also, my family is settled in Manchester, so I am in no rush.
“Obviously, I want to play as much as possible and do everything I can. But that is nothing to do with the club – it is up to you and the manager.
“But in terms of how I feel, I feel very good at United. I still want to get on the pitch, obviously. I’m staying the same person if I’m playing or not, trying to help if I can.
“But I want to be the football guy, not the social guy.”
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