Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has reportedly decided that Christian Eriksen does not feature in his plans for the 2025-26 campaign.
The Denmark international was a bit of a surprise starter in the Portuguese's first match in charge, completing 68 minutes of Man United's 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town last weekend.
However, Eriksen was an unused substitute in the 3-2 Europa League success over Bodo/Glimt on Thursday, and he is not expected to be a first-choice option for Amorim moving forward.
There is a consensus that Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo will form the regular partnership in Amorim's 3-4-3 shape, and the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss has also talked up Mason Mount's qualities as he bids to finally ignite his Old Trafford career.
Eriksen can leave Man United for nothing when his current contract runs out at the end of the 2024-25 season, and the ex-Tottenham Hotspur man recently revealed that he had heard nothing about his future from the hierarchy.
Amorim to offload Eriksen in 2025?
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According to The Mirror, Man United chiefs have decided not to offer Eriksen a new short-term contract, as Amorim is not planning on utilising the experienced midfielder for the 2025-26 season.
As a result, the Scandinavian will be on the way out of Old Trafford when the campaign draws to a close, and he will be free to discuss pre-contract terms with foreign teams when the January window rolls around.
Amorim reportedly made his mind up 'quickly' about Eriksen, who could leave as early as January if Man United wish to recoup a small fee for the Denmark international over the winter.
However, having signed Eriksen on a free transfer in the summer of 2022, there is no urgent need for Man United to cash in, as they will not be making any sort of loss on the former Brentford man.
Eriksen has come up with seven goals and 16 assists in 86 matches for the Red Devils in all tournaments over the past two-and-a-half years, including a respectable four goals and three assists from 14 matches in 2024-25.
Which Man United players could follow Eriksen out of the exit door?
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Eriksen is just one of six Man United players who are able to walk away for nothing in 2025, a list that includes another few fringe players in Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Tom Heaton and Jonny Evans.
None of Evans, Lindelof or Maguire will be first-choice defensive options for Man United when Amorim has all his options available, as Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez are above the experienced trio in the pecking order.
Meanwhile, Heaton is only an emergency option in goal as Man United's number three, although another short-term extension cannot be ruled out for the home-grown goalkeeper.
The sixth and final player due to become a free agent in 2025 is Amad Diallo, but the Ivorian is enjoying his finest campaign in a Man United shirt yet and has already proven his capabilities as a wing-back.
In terms of players who could be sold in 2025, Casemiro, Antony, Joshua Zirkzee and Altay Bayindir - if he grows tired of playing second fiddle to Andre Onana - may all be on the chopping block.
Ben Knapton
