Manchester United fans were left baffled by Ruben Amorim’s team selection for his first Premier League home match as a key player did not make the squad – and they think his time at the club could be up.
Amorim, 39, was greeted with a warm reception for his first Premier League home game in charge of United.
As ever, fans were keen to see his team selection and were surprised when Joshua Zirkzee started ahead of Rasmus Hojlund, who scored twice in the 3-2 win over Bodø/Glimt in the Europa League on Thursday.
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Amorim put this down to ‘squad rotation’ when speaking ahead of the game.
However, fans were also left stunned when Christian Eriksen was left out of the matchday squad despite starting last Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town.
The Danish midfielder did not make the 20-man squad for the fixture against Everton, which will no doubt add to the speculation regarding his future.
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Eriksen is out of contract at the end of the season.
And according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, United are not willing to offer him a new deal – meaning he could leave as a free agent next summer.
The 32-year-old has been linked with a potential move to Scottish champions Celtic, but his hefty wages (£150,000 per week, according to Capology) could be a sticking point in any negotiations.
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However, fans on social media leapt to the former Inter man’s defence with some even arguing that he had been United’s ‘best player’ so far this season.
One said: “No Eriksen in the squad is an absolute joke. He’s been our best player this season.”
Another added: “Eriksen has been arguably our player of the season but Amorim hardly includes him in our match day squad. Why?”
A third commented: “Can’t believe i’m saying this in 2025 - but we need to play Eriksen.”
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While a fourth gave a different take: “I can't wait to see Manuel Ugarte replace Casemiro. Ugarte-Mainoo is the midfield pairing I want to see. Has the physical capability which the likes of Eriksen and Casemiro lack.”
A fifth explained: “Eriksen will struggle under Amorim’s system.”
Topics: Fan Reactions, Manchester United, Ruben Amorim, Premier League, Joshua Zirkzee, Rasmus Hojlund, Christian Eriksen
Luke Davies