Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand has expressed his concerns over Christian Eriksen’s reduced role at Manchester United this term.
You can’t really blame him, either.
Eriksen, as always, will play a vital role for his nation at the forthcoming Euros this summer and is likely to start every game, given that he’s one of their most creative and influential players.
He’ll also be looking to feed his fellow United teammate Rasmus Hojlund when the tournament kicks off, with the young forward netting an impressive seven goals throughout the qualifying stages. Both Reds have been called up to play in the side’s two friendlies towards the end of March.
Should Eriksen’s situation continue as it has been in recent months, Hjulmand’s worries will only grow as the Euros edge closer. The 32-year-old has been limited to just nine Premier League starts in 2023/2024 and a further seven appearances off the bench.
In six of United’s previous seven matches, the experienced playmaker has been an unused substitute, barring one 37-minute cameo against Fulham in February.
Factors such as the scintillating emergence of Kobbie Mainoo into the first-team, Ten Hag’s preference for Casemiro, Scott McTominay’s goalscoring heroics and the acquisition of Mason Mount have all contributed to Eriksen dropping down the pecking order.
Hjulmand troubled by Eriksen’s role
Ahead of the upcoming international break, Hjulmand told Tipsbladet: “It is not the best situation, as it is right now. I really, really hope it changes.
“I’m pretty sure we’ll see a fit Christian. I know he is [fit]. But it is clear that, if this continues, then for Christian it can be like it is with everyone else. There may be a concern about the level you can perform at if you don’t get more playing time than what [he is getting] at the moment.”
He added: “I very much hope that it changes. A player as skilled as Christian has to play, and of course we very much hope that things change at United. Not playing anymore is not the best situation.”
