Former Real Madrid star slams “completely scandalous” decision to include Man United outcast in international squad

Former Real Madrid midfielder Thomas Gravesen has slammed the “completely scandalous” decision to include Christian Eriksen in Denmark’s squad this month.

Eriksen, 32, has been included in the latest squad to face Switzerland and the Faroe Islands.

The midfielder has made just two appearances for United in 2024 and has played less than 900 miniyes in the Premier League this season.

Kobbie Mainoo’s emergence in the first team, along with the signings of Sofyan Amrabat and Mason Mount, has created difficulty for Eriksen in terms of game time.

But the experienced midfielder has still been chosen by Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand, ahead of other options, which has frustrated Gravesen, who made 66 appearances for the nation.

The ex-Real Madrid and Everton midfielder has accused Hjulmand of picking Eriksen to “maintain relations” and that the United man does not deserve the call-up.

“It is completely scandalous that he has not selected Nicolai Vallys. It’s a scandal of great proportions that we have a national coach who looks so little towards Denmark when there’s a player running around with those qualities,” began Hjulmand when speaking to Tipsbladet.

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“When you look at the way he is playing football at the moment. And then they choose to take out a player who has sat on the bench at Manchester United, Christian Eriksen, just to maintain relations.

“He’s not that anymore. The Christian Eriksen we all know, he is no longer there. Christian Eriksen doesn’t play football anymore. Christian Eriksen sits on the bench and watches football.

“Christian Eriksen as we know him, he is no more. You must not fall back on the fact that you are only selected on merit. One must not single out Christian Eriksen only on his merits.”

Eriksen has 126 appearances for his country since debuting in 2009 and has scored 40 goals.