A first-team player at Manchester United says he is “prepared to find something new” this summer but has already ruled out two potential destinations, including a move to Major League Soccer.
Ruben Amorim recently hinted at a ruthless summer clear out as he prepares to take charge of his first full season at Old Trafford.
It has been a hugely disappointing campaign for the underperforming Reds, who currently sit 13th in the Premier League table with 10 wins from a possible 29 games.
And earlier this month, Amorim admitted that some United players are already aware that they will have to leave the club this summer ahead of a potential squad overhaul.
“Everybody understands that in football sometimes you stay, sometimes you have to move on,” he said. “If I know how to explain it, I will do so because I like to be clear.”
Amorim added: “I was a player and like to use that experience — when you are honest with someone, they can take it. In the beginning maybe it is hard but they will understand.”
With departures expected this summer, Christian Eriksen has become the first senior player to publicly confirm that he expects to leave Old Trafford upon the expiry of his contract.
The 33-year-old, who joined United on a free transfer in 2022, opened up on his future while at Denmark’s international camp on Tuesday.
“I haven’t heard anything, and when I don’t, I assume that the collaboration stops,” he told reporters about his contract situation. “That’s how I interpret it. Everyone knows that the contract expires, so I figure there’s only one way (it’s going).”
Speaking to Danish outlet Tipsbladet, Eriksen was quick to play down a move to Major League Soccer. “We won’t travel that far,” he said when asked about a possible move to the US.
The midfielder also believes he has several “good years” left at the top level, thus ruling out a move to the Danish domestic league.
“I still feel like I have good years left abroad,” Eriksen added. “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.
“It’s purely about football and where my career stands now. Honestly, I’ve spent more time abroad than in Denmark during my career, so moving home would almost feel like moving to a new country. But we’re not there yet.”
Christian Eriksen is set to leave Manchester United. Image: Getty
Eriksen was also asked if a move back to Eredivisie side Ajax was a possibility, 12 years after he left Amsterdam for Tottenham Hotspur. “I’m not closing the door on anything,” he said.
“I’ll see what opportunities arise and whether they fit. That was last summer—we’ll see where they stand this summer. It’s not just up to me; there has to be interest from their side too. Whether it’s Brentford or not, I can’t say. But my intention isn’t to stay in England.”
He added: “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.”
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