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Manchester United fans enjoyed themselves at Old Trafford on Tuesday as the club ran riot in their Carabao Cup third round tie against Barnsley, demolishing the League One side 7-0.
Three different players netted braces, Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Christian Eriksen with Antony netting another from the penalty spot.
The Dane, after starting against Southampton in the Premier League at the weekend, once again got the nod, this time in a much more advanced role as Erik ten Hag gave Bruno Fernandes a much-needed break.
And the 32-year-old did not disappoint, controlling the tempo of the game and spraying passes all over the pitch before eventually joining in on the goalmouth action.
Eriksen’s future
There was a lot of talk regarding the former Tottenham Hotspur man leaving in the summer with former club Ajax named as a potential destination.
But as the midfielder made clear after the game, he stayed back as he was not asked to leave and after a disappointing last season in which he hardly got minutes, the Denmark international is keen to give it his all this term.
Considering his difficulties in adjusting to the pace of the game against the big sides, this is likely to be his final season in Manchester with his current deal ending next summer.
But with Kobbie Mainoo’s minutes to be carefully managed and Mason Mount injury prone, United cannot afford to let go of the former Inter Milan star in January in a bid to recoup a fee.
The Red Devils have simply not replaced Scott McTominay and Sofyan Amrabat adequately and need Eriksen to stay and provide cover.
And Givemesport have suggested that once he does leave Old Trafford, he is likely to rock up at the club where he broke through into senior football with Ajax unable to muster up the finances needed to agree a deal this past summer. Moving as a free agent will suit them perfectly.
Ajax could be his final destination
“Eriksen is poised to use the remainder of the season to decide his future instead of agitating for a winter switch away from Manchester United, according to GMS sources, which will also end his current employers’ chances of being able to secure a fee for his services when the transfer window reopens.
“GMS sources have been told that there remains potential for Eriksen to end his career with Eredivisie heavyweights Ajax when he leaves Manchester United, and the idea of him returning to the Johan Cruyff Arena was touted during the summer transfer window only for nothing concrete to come of it before last month’s deadline.
“Eriksen is expected to hold discussions with Ajax over a possible move during the early months of 2025, GMS sources understand, and those conversations will dictate whether a switch to Amsterdam is on the cards as a realistic option to see out the final stages of his distinguished career.”
The Barnsley game was a reminder to Ten Hag that the Danish legend still has a lot to give and with the 20-time English league champions fighting on four fronts, his services will be required if the club are to have a memorable campaign.
Feature image Stu Forster via Getty Images
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2024-09-18 22:00:50
