A return to Denmark would be a ‘beautiful end to a great career’ for Christian Eriksen amid doubts surrounding the midfielder’s future at Premier League giants Manchester United.
That is according to Paul Parker, the former Red Devils right-back who was part of two title-winning sides in the 1990s under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Christian Eriksen, he says, can certainly still do a job in the Premier League even with his 32nd birthday approaching. But amid reports suggesting that the Manchester United veteran has admirers in the Turkish Super Lig – a move that would see him follow in Fred’s footsteps – Parker feels that a return to the club where he first made his name well over a decade ago would be a fitting conclusion to a fine story.
Christian Eriksen facing uncertain Man United future
“I think it would be really charming if Eriksen went home to Denmark. It would be a beautiful end to a great career,” Parker tells Tipsbladet, the Scandinavian icon moving to Ajax from Odense Boldklub back in 2008.
“It would add an extra spice to the romantic tale of Eriksen if he went home to OB. I think he is very loyal, I think he will play for his childhood club if he returns home. I see (OB) haven’t done very well lately.”
Having not made a single first-team appearance for Odense, joining Ajax as a teenager, Eriksen may feel as if he has unfinished business back home.
“He’s a legend (in Denmark), and he felt a lot of love from his country during the Euros when he collapsed. He is someone you always want to talk about. Just like (Peter) Schmeichel and (Michael) Laudrup,” Parker adds.
“He can easily play in the Premier League, and I also imagine that Ajax can still use him. He has many options, I think. But it would be touching if he returned home to OB.”
United eyeing potential replacements
Eriksen’s Manchester United contract expires in 2025. The sudden emergence of Kobbie Mainoo and the pursuit of talented young midfielders such as Joao Neves could bring a premature end to his Old Trafford career, however, particularly with Eriksen’s lack of physicality and pace serving to offset his obvious technical talents.
READ MORE: Join the conversation with the United in Focus Whatsapp group
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
