Man Utd star admits frustrations over role under Erik ten Hag

• Mar 20, 2024

Christian Eriksen has confessed to holding frustrated talks with Erik ten Hag over his role at Manchester United.

The Dane was signed on a free transfer in the summer of 2022 but, after making 44 appearances in all competitions as a regular starter last season, has seen his minutes reduced this year following the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo.

Eriksen has 16 Premier League appearances to his name this season but just nine of those came as a starter, while he spent six of the seven games leading up to the March international break as an unused substitute.

Speaking to the press while on Denmark duty, Eriksen insisted he remains fully supportive of Ten Hag and the United team in general, but could not deny his disappointment towards his individual role in the squad.

“I myself have stated previously that I am not satisfied with not playing, but it is not something I lose sleep over,” he said. “The team is performing, and so I have to respect the role I have. For me, it has been working hard and focusing on being fit for every game, and I am. It is easier now to accept my role than it had been before.

“I have had a conversation with Erik to say that I am of course dissatisfied with the situation and that I would like to play as much as possible, but also that I am available and must be available for the team, which I am and always will be.

“He said it was the team he had chosen, and Kobbie is doing well, and the rest of the midfield is also doing well, so there is a battle for places, which is to be expected when you play in a top club. There is great competition in the team.”

While Eriksen is doing his best to remain upbeat, he confessed he will not be able to accept the situation forever.

“Of course you can be worried in the long run, because I want to play as much as possible,” Eriksen acknowledged. “Of course, you don’t want to sit on the bench all the time. I don’t have that approach to it, but it’s not something that worries me right now.

“When you change the team and win, you don’t then change the winning team. I respect that.”

Eriksen remains under contract with United until 2025.