Transfer Centre

Manchester United transfer news: Midfielder's future 'hinges on Ten Hag replacement'

By Carter White | 26 May 2024

Man United transfer news: Midfielder's future 'hinges on Ten Hag replacement'

Manchester United are reportedly willing to offload Christian Eriksen this summer, however the Dane wants to stay at Old Trafford should Mauricio Pochettino join the club.

Manchester United are reportedly prepared to let Christian Eriksen leave this summer, although the player will wait until the club's managerial situation is sorted to make his own decision.

The 32-year-old made the high-profile switch across the Premier League battle lines during the summer of 2022, joining the red side of Manchester from London outfit Brentford.

Eriksen enjoyed a productive maiden campaign at the Theatre of Dreams, helping Erik ten Hag's side to an EFL Cup success and Champions League qualification, playing 44 matches across all competitions.

However, the Dane has endured an injury-riddled season this time around, limiting him to just 28 appearances in all and only 12 starts in the Premier League.

Nevertheless, Eriksen is still expected to be a major cog in the wheel of his national side Denmark as they strive for Euro 2024 glory during the summer in Germany.

Manchester United's Christian Eriksen on September 16, 2023 © Reuters

Man United offer Eriksen this summer?

According to The Sun, Manchester United are prepared to offload Eriksen during this summer's transfer window, with a return to a former club being touted for the 32-year-old.

The report claims that the Red Devils are willing to hand the ex-Tottenham Hotspur maestro to Dutch giants Ajax, who are looking to rebuild following a disappointing fifth-placed finish in the Eredivisie this season.

Targeting a summer overhaul of their own at Old Trafford, United's new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group are hoping to get some of the club's biggest earners off the wage bill.

Eriksen certainly falls into that category - especially considering that he turns 33 years old next season - with the Denmark international earning around £150,000 per week.

Red Devils boss Ten Hag recently revealed that central midfield is an area that he is looking to strengthen during the off-season trading point, suggesting that a move away could be on the cards for Eriksen.

Manchester United's Christian Eriksen during the warm up before the match on December 30, 2023 © Reuters

Eriksen could be key at Old Trafford

Despite there being a real possibility that Eriksen ends his two-year association with Man United this summer, there is also a universe in which he stays as a key player.

It is understood that the 32-year-old is open to a switch to Ajax, however the player wants to wait until the club's managerial situation is sorted before making a decision on his future.

Following his highly-controversial departure from Chelsea earlier this month, Mauricio Pochettino is in the running to become the new head coach at Old Trafford should Ten Hag be sacked.

Pochettino and Eriksen worked effectively together for five years in North London at Tottenham, and it is believed that the Argentine boss would seek to make the Dane one of his key personnel for the 2024-25 term.

Speculation surrounding the future of Man United's Ten Hag is rife, despite the Dutchman leading his troops to an unexpected FA Cup triumph over double-chasing Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday afternoon.