Manchester United star reveals shock future plans as contract ticks down

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 26: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) The Manchester United pose with a fan in a wheelchair after a first team training session at UCLA on July 26, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen has outlined his future plans, which could see him putting his talents on display in a surprising arena once he decides his time at the top of the game is over. 

The Danish international is currently preparing for his third season with Manchester United as the club undergo their pre-season tour of the United States of America and is well aware that his future will soon come into focus, given he is now in the final year of his current Red Devils deal.

The 32-year-old started 12 Premier League games last season and came off the bench 10 times, with Kobbie Mainoo's first-team breakthrough over the second half of the season eating into Eriksen's playing time. 

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But despite this, the former Spurs and Brentford playmaker still believes he can operate at the highest level for another three years - and would then be open to playing park football.

“Now, I would say yes [to continue at elite level] but in three years’ time my mindset may be different, so that could be in the park or anywhere," Eriksen told the Guardian. "There is a time and a place [for less game time] and I am not getting younger but it doesn’t feel like I’m not getting younger.

“Mentally, I am still the same but body-wise in terms of games and how we play, sometimes it is good to have a rest, to be able to perform to 100%. I haven’t been told [to] leave or [about an] extension. I feel good, my family is feeling good living in Manchester and United is a nice club.”

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JULY 27: Christian Eriksen of Manchester United in action during the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Arsenal at SoFi Stadium on July 27, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Christian Eriksen in action for Manchester United  (Image credit: Getty Images)

Eriksen, who won his 134th international cap for Denmark during Euro 2024, also believes that coaching could be an option for him when he hangs up his boots.

“I started [the badges] a few weeks ago," he added. "We only did three sessions then we stopped.”

Manchester United are currently on a pre-season tour of the USA where they will play Arsenal, Real Betis and Liverpool, before returning to the UK to face off against rivals Manchester City for the FA Community Shield on Saturday, August 10.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 26: Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen, Rasmus Hojlund, Antony and Casemiro of Manchester United in action during a first team training session as part of their pre-season tour of the USA at UCLA on July 26, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)

Eriksen warms up with his team-mates (Image credit: Getty Images)

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Joe Mewis

For more than a decade Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor, with stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others. He is the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team.