Christian Eriksen insists Manchester United will bounce back from their crisis, but the club's decision on his future means he may not be able to reap the benefits.
Eriksen's contract at United expires in June 2025 and Old Trafford chiefs have decided not to offer him an extension. The 32-year-old can therefore freely discuss with other clubs from Wednesday 1 January and may sign a pre-contractual agreement with a team from abroad.
After joining the Red Devils two and a half years ago, ex-Tottenham star Eriksen has experienced his fair share of ups and downs. The latest low point is that United have suffered four consecutive defeats under new manager Ruben Amorim, ending a miserable year for the club, but Eriksen believes they will eventually emerge from their slump.
“There is a feeling at the moment that every mistake we make feels much worse than it actually is,” the midfielder admitted to MUTV after Monday's dismal 2-0 defeat at home to Newcastle. “We have to get ourselves out of this.”
Eriksen added: “It's very important [we stay together]. We're more or less halfway through the season; There is still half a season to go and there are still many games for which points can be played.
“I'm hopeful that at some point we'll turn around and look back and think we were in this, but at some point we'll definitely be out of it.”
When that 'one point' will be remains to be seen, with Eriksen potentially leaving as soon as the January transfer window should United receive a substantial offer. The Dane has been linked with a return to former club Ajax and is not the only player nearing the end of his current contract.
Teammates Amad, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton are all on the chopping block, with the Red Devils looking to revamp their squad for Amorim's first summer. That is, of course, if the Portuguese boss remains in charge, with results yet to prove why United paid Sporting Lisbon £11 million for his services.
United are not expected to have any money to spend in January unless they secure an exit. Marcus Rashford has already made it clear that he is 'ready' to leave Old Trafford and that his sale – if feasible – would likely be the most lucrative among those who do not appear to be part of Amorim's plans.
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