Ruben Amorim is six games into his Manchester United tenure and is slowly coming to grips with the squad at his disposal and is contemplating changes during the January transfer window.
Due to the club’s not-so-rosy PSR outlook, the Red Devils need to focus on outgoings before incomings and two players look to be on their way out.
Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen have been identified as the players to depart with the contracts of both stars set to expire next summer. The club is yet to open contract extension talks with either.
Amorim has the final say regarding contract extensions and both the Swede and the Dane have not managed to impress the new head coach enough to earn an extended stay at the club.
Eriksen, Lindelof out
The former Tottenham Hotspur star was enjoying a mini-resurgence under former boss Erik ten Hag, starting nine times under the Dutchman but has started only once under the Portuguese while being left on the bench for the remaining five games.
The 32-year-old lacks the required intensity to operate in Amorim’s system and with Kobbie Mainoo back fit, an inevitable separation is on the cards. Major League Soccer clubs could come calling for the midfielder.
As for the centre-back, he has yet to see any minutes under the ex-Sporting Lisbon boss and considering his poor recent injury record, an exit is the best outcome for both parties.
He is currently last in the pecking order and even though he is good friends with the coach, having played together at Benfica and even spent time together during Amorim’s internship at the club, he is unlikely to see much in terms of game time now that Leny Yoro is back fit.
Lindelof has never truly convinced in red and the chance to earn a fee from his sale in the winter will be more than welcome.
Loan exit?
As per TBR Football, Lindelof is wanted by former club Benfica and by Leicester City, currently managed by ex-interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Even though the 30-year-old’s contract ends in 2025, a loan exit to the King Power Stadium could be sanctioned as that would help the 20-time English league champions earn a small loan fee as well as get the defender’s £120,000 per week wages (as per capology) off the books.
An obligation or option to buy could also be included but that would depend on where the Foxes finish this season. If they can avoid relegation under the former United striker, that could become a reality and would net the club even more money.
“There are a number of fringe players who are not deemed part of their long-term future and two of the most sellable in January are seen as Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen.
“We understand that Lindelof has interest from around Europe including from Portugal, where former club Benfica are keen, whilst there are teams in Italy, Germany and Spain, as well as the Saudi Pro League who are ready to make offers.
Ruud wants Lindelof
“We are also told that former Manchester United interim chief Ruud van Nistelrooy has an interest in taking him to the King Power Stadium.
“We understand Lindelof could be looked as a potential loan player, as even a slight loan fee and proportion of wages, could be deemed a win for United at this stage. A long term deal for Lindelof could in theory be offered but would be tied to Leicester’s success in staying up, or not.
“Former Inter Milan ace Eriksen for his part has interest from Europe, but also Major League Soccer.”
Amorim wants a left-sided wingback and any addition seems to be linked to exits and should both the aforementioned stars depart, INEOS might be able to offer the coach some support in January.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
