Christian Eriksen drops major hints on next move after Manchester United exit this summer

Christian Eriksen drops major hints on next move after Manchester United exit this summer

Christian Eriksen has not made a decision on where he will play next season but has ruled out some possible destinations after leaving Manchester United.

The 33-year-old moved to Old Trafford in the summer of 2022, signing a three-year contract after a six-month stint with Brentford which was his return to professional football after suffering a cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark in 2021.

‘I haven’t thought about it too much. Like last time, my contract expires in the summer, so I’m prepared to find something new. I’m fine with that—it’s not something I’ve decided yet,’ he told Tipsbladet.dk.

‘I haven’t made any firm decisions. Before my cardiac arrest, I played in England for years, moved to Inter, and thought I’d never return. Two years later, I was back in England, and now I’ve been here for almost four years

‘Careers don’t always follow a set plan. I don’t have a checklist of things I need to do—I’ll see what comes and what’s best for me and my family.

While he is not sure what he will do, he knows a couple of things he will not do, including returning to play in the Danish Superliga.

‘Not yet. It’s too early. I still feel like I have good years left abroad,’ he said. ‘In Denmark, players often return to focus on family and end their careers that way, but I don’t feel like I’m there yet.’

Eriksen also ruled out a move to Major League Soccer in America, saying: ‘We won’t travel that far.’

Remaining in the Premier League is also unlikely as when asked if he could return to Brentford he said: ‘Haha, so that’s my only option? Whether it’s Brentford or not, I can’t say. But my intention isn’t to stay in England.

‘This situation is different from when I was a free agent after my cardiac arrest. Back then, it was about proving I could still play. Now, it’s just about waiting for the right opportunity and not making hasty decisions. If something feels right, I’ll take it.’

Red Devils legend Peter Schmeichel believes a return to Ajax would be ideal for Eriksen, having joined the Dutch club in 2008 and making his professional debut there

‘That [move to Ajax] would be a great step for him,’ Schmeichel told Voetbal Primeur when asked about Eriksen’s future

‘Of course, as we know, he is a midfielder. Nowadays in the Premier League you need players who can sprint up and down for 90 minutes.

‘The way Ruben Amorim wants to play also doesn’t suit him, he wants to win the ball back quickly. At a very high pace. That’s not in his nature. Unfortunately, Eriksen no longer has that energy.