While acknowledging that he has no idea why he isn’t starting for Manchester United this season, Christian Eriksen has made it clear that leading the squad to victory is his main priority.
This season, Eriksen has only started four games across all competitions; he has been compelled to settle for a role as an impact replacement.
After the Dane came off the bench against Kobenhavn on Tuesday and set up Harry Maguire for the game-winning assist, manager Erik ten Hag said Eriksen’s entry was the driving force behind the team’s victory.
Eriksen acknowledged that his first focus is the success of the team, but he also acknowledged that he was disappointed with his smaller role this year.
Eriksen said to TNT Sports, “Ask the manager why I’m starting on the bench; that’s out of my hands.” Of course, though, I want to play as much as I can. The management is undoubtedly turning a blind eye, but for now, a victory like this is worthwhile.”
Following his admission that Ten Hag favors a different kind of midfielder during the most recent international break, Eriksen made his most recent remarks.
He said, “I think you should ask the coach what he thinks,” to Ekstrabladet. The defense has suffered a great deal of injuries. We have just given up far too many goals. Despite being sick last week, I’m doing well. Nothing about me is flawed. My body feels fantastic, and I naturally want to play every game.
“But if you have seen the matches yourself, you may also see that [Ten Hag] plays with slightly different types than me.”
Eriksen started 25 of the 29 Premier League games for which he was eligible to play last season as a regular starter under Ten Hag, but Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat’s summer transfers have made it more competitive for playing time at Old Trafford.
The 31-year-old has a deal with United that expires in 2025.