Rejuvenated Man Utd star makes January transfer decision after summer talks

Tom Weber

• Updated: 18 Sept 2024 15:20 BST
• 3 min read

Christian Eriksen will likely leave Manchester United in 2025, but a January exit is looking increasingly unlikely.

The Danish midfielder has been a surprising success story in this still-young season. Eriksen was handed an unexpected start by Erik ten Hag in Man Utd's 3-0 win over Southampton and he again played from the beginning on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old was one of the Red Devils' key players as they put League One side Barnsley to the sword, notching two goals and an assist in a 7-0 rout. While it would be foolish to read too much into this result - even Antony got on the scoresheet - it is fair to say that Eriksen looks rejuvenated.

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This is despite the fact that it seemed for all the world that the veteran would struggle for minutes this term. Eriksen was supplanted by Kobbie Mainoo last season and could have left Old Trafford in the summer.

Real Betis attempted a Deadline Day swoop but ultimately failed, while his former club Ajax and Anderlecht were also keen. However, a deal was not financially viable for the latter two, with Anderlecht CEO Jesper Fredberg confirming as much on Tuesday: "Eriksen was an absolute opportunity, which turned out not to be feasible."

Eriksen has no plans to leave early

Eriksen is out of contract next summer, but an early exit in January, which would allow Man Utd to pocket a nominal fee, is looking increasingly unlikely.

According to GIVEMESPORT, Eriksen won't seek a way out in the winter, though it is expected that Ajax will return for the experienced midfielder. This is despite the fact that the Amsterdam giants announced the re-signing of Davy Klaassen (for a third time!) on Tuesday.

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The Dane himself spoke about his future after the Barnsley game and essentially confirmed his desire to see out his Man Utd contract. "I feel very good being at United. If they told me to leave I would leave, but I didn't hear that," the Dane said.

"There's one year left [on my contract], so my focus is going to be on this year, going full out and see what happens afterwards."