Man Utd midfielder admits he's unhappy with role under Erik ten Hag in revealing interview on international duty

One of Manchester United's more experienced players will assess his options this summer after playing a bit-part role under Erik ten Hag last season.

United part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team at INEOS will likely try and improve matters on the pitch by making some big-money signings in the coming months.

Earlier this week, United made an opening offer of €60 million [£51m] for Portugal international Joao Neves, although the bid was immediately turned down by Benfica director Rui Costa.

Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite are also being tracked, according to widespread reports.

In terms of departures, Casemiro looks to be on his way out as Saudi Pro League clubs continue to be linked with the Brazil international.

And it appears another midfielder could leave United this summer. Christian Eriksen, who joined on a free transfer in 2022, struggled for regular first-team minutes last season.

In fact, after making just 12 Premier League starts for the Reds, he was an unused substitute in their FA Cup final win over Manchester City.

Speaking about the 2023/24 campaign while on international duty, Eriksen opened up about role at United.

"For me, the season has been a little different to other seasons," he told TV2.

"It has been a slightly different role. It’s new to me, but it’s also new to the outside world. It is clear, in relation to how people talk."

Image credit: Getty

When asked if he finds it easier to sit on the bench towards the end of his career, he said: "No, it’s the same."

Eriksen added: "I was also a bit lucky that I didn’t sit on the bench so much when I was younger. But I did it once in a while. It’s never fun. That’s for sure.

"Personally, you always want to be the one who is chosen first in the team. Sometimes the coach looks the other way.

"But then I play for United, so there is just a battle for places, because there are a lot of good players."

Eriksen, who is heading into his final year at Old Trafford, has been vocal about his playing time of late.

Image credit: Getty

Back in March, he admitted he was "unhappy" with the amount of time he was spending out on the pitch.

“I’ve said in the past that I’m not happy with not playing, but it’s not something I lose sleep over," he told Tipsbladet.

"The team performs and then I have to respect the role you have on the side. For me, it’s been working hard and focusing on being fresh for every game, and I am. It’s easier now to accept my role than it was before.”