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Christian Eriksen’s agent Martin Schoots revealed the Danish midfielder turned down a move to the MLS and Saudi Arabia to stay at Manchester United.
Throughout the summer, Eriksen was widely expected to depart Manchester United, with his future at the club coming under intense scrutiny. Reports suggested that the Red Devils were open to selling the Danish star, with a price tag of around £5 million being touted.
As the Premier League transfer window neared its conclusion, speculation grew that Eriksen might leave for a return to his former club, Ajax, in the Netherlands, where he would have witnessed an increase in responsibilities and minutes on the pitch. He joined the Dutch giants as a 16-year-old and made 162 appearances before moving on to Tottenham Hotspur. However, the move fell through and Eriksen continues to be a part of United’s roster.
WHAT MARTIN SCHOOTS SAID
Speaking to Voetbal International, Schoots provided clarity on Eriksen’s situation and his decision to stay at Old Trafford. He said: “There were options in the Arab world, Turkey and the MLS, but those were ruled out in advance because Chris and his family want to stay in Western Europe.”
One of the key factors in Eriksen’s decision to remain at Manchester United was his confidence in securing sufficient playing time. With the club set to compete in multiple competitions, including the Premier League, Europa League, and domestic cup tournaments, Eriksen believes he will have ample opportunities to contribute to the team’s success.
“Eriksen is confident that he will get enough playing minutes. Manchester United will play every three days in the coming months, so Eriksen will still be important for United,” he said.
“There has been informal contact with Anderlecht but never more than that. Ajax made inquiries in January, but that was too early at the time and the question was not asked this summer. So that was not an issue.
“There was another Dutch club that contacted us, but that was not an option. It is difficult when you play for one of the three biggest clubs in the world to go to a much smaller competition, especially without Champions League football. We can put an end to those speculations. At least until the end of the calendar year, then they will flare up again.”
WHAT NEXT FOR ERIKSEN?
As the speculation surrounding Eriksen’s future is put to rest, at least until the end of the calendar year, the Danish midfielder can focus on his role at United. His first appearance of the season came in United’s disappointing 3-0 loss to Liverpool where he was introduced for barely a few minutes at the end of the match. However, with a long and challenging season ahead, Eriksen is expected to play a more prominent role as the team competes on multiple fronts.
