New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is expected to do away with Christian Eriksen in the name of midfield intensity.
That’s according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who says that “intensity” is the name of the game for the Portuguese head coach, and warns that the 32-year-old Dane is unlikely to fit the bill.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “I don’t think Christian Eriksen will continue at Manchester United under Amorim beyond this season.”
The Italian journalist put heavy emphasis on Amorim’s style of play, which will focus on energy and dynamism.
And while Amorim will want some time to work with his current players as he decides what is required in the transfer market, Romano affirmed that “the first indication from Ruben Amorim to Manchester United directors, to Manchester United management, is we need to bring players with intensity.
“This was the crucial word he mentioned in the opening talks and meetings he had with Manchester United.”
Inevitably, this casts doubt on some of the current crop of United players. Romano points to players with “lots of quality, big history, big personality” such as Casemiro and Eriksen, but questioned whether they are suitable for the Portuguese manager’s style of play.
So, Romano said, “the expectation is for Manchester United to bring in fresh legs from 2025.”
He added that United will not be signing any players from Sporting Lisbon in January, with particular reference to in-form striker Viktor Gyökeres, but added that this may not be the case in the summer.
Eriksen was a key part of Erik ten Hag’s first season success at Old Trafford, forming an effective pivot with Casemiro in the middle of the park.
But his form fell off badly last season, with a summer exit widely expected.
However, when the transfer window closed Eriksen was still at Old Trafford, and he has been one of the surprise success stories of the season so far.
Only Alejandro Garnacho has scored more goals than Eriksen in all competitions, and the 32-year-old’s contributions have been incredibly valuable in the Europa League in particular.
His strikes secured points for United in their 1-1 draws against FC Twente and Fenerbahce, and he assisted two of the goals in the 3-3 draw at Porto.
Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images
Joe Ponting
Joe has spent more than half his life writing about football and all of it following United. As a child he told a doctor his name was ‘Paul Scholes’, but could never pick a pass like him no matter how much he tried.
