Christian Eriksen says he is “unhappy” at Man United – “I told Erik ten Hag”

Christian Eriksen has explained that he has told Erik ten Hag that he is “unhappy” at Manchester United after seeing his playing time reduced.

Christian Eriksen has not played much at Manchester United this season after the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo, who is forming a brilliant partnership with Erik ten Hag in midfield.

Eriksen signed for the Old Trafford club in the summer of 2022 on a free contract and played well alongside Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, helping the club win a Carabao Cup and finish third in the Premier League.

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However, he has now stated that he is no longer happy with his playing time in a recent interview while on international duty.

“I have previously stated that I am not satisfied with not playing, but it’s not something that keeps me up at night,” Eriksen told Danish outlet Tipsbladet.

“The team is performing, and I must respect the role you have alongside. For my part, it has been about working hard and focusing on being fresh for every game, and I am. It is easier now to accept my role than it would have been before.”

Eriksen has played a total of 1,127 minutes in a United shirt so far this season, a reduction from the 3,080 minutes he played last campaign when he was out for three months with an ankle injury.

“I have had a conversation with Erik about being unhappy with the situation and wanting to play as much as possible, but I am available and need to be available for the team, which I am and always will be.

“He said it was the team he had chosen, and Kobbie is doing well, and the rest of the midfield is also performing well, so there is competition for places, which is expected when playing for a top club. There is great competition within the team.”

Speaking further, he said that he ultimately respects Erik ten Hag’s decision despite the fact that he would rather more playing time.

“Of course, you can be concerned in the long run because I want to play as much as possible. Naturally, you don’t want to always sit on the bench. I don’t have that approach to it, but it’s not something that worries me right now.

“Often, when you change teams and win, you don’t change the winning team, and I respect that.”