Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim admitted he opted for caution in his squad selection against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
In his post-match comments, he stressed that he was not ready to take any risks with Christian Eriksen’s fitness. Moreover, his decision came amid mounting concerns over the midfielder’s heart condition.
Furthermore, Amorim explained that he always keeps Eriksen’s health in mind. He noted that whenever Eriksen experiences a fever or feels unwell, his heart rate must be closely monitored. In addition, the manager emphasized that this careful approach is essential for the player’s long-term well-being.
In addition, the Red Devils faced a difficult challenge in North London. Injuries and illness had severely depleted the squad, leaving Victor Lindelof as the only senior outfield player on the substitutes’ bench. Consequently, the manager was forced to make tough decisions regarding his lineup.
Despite creating opportunities on both ends of the pitch, United fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. James Maddison’s decisive goal ultimately proved too much to handle. Thus, the game ended in disappointment for the visitors.
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As a result, Manchester United now find themselves in 15th place in the Premier League. They trail the eighth spot by 10 points, a gap that could jeopardize any hopes of European qualification. Moreover, this result adds further pressure on a side already struggling with consistency.
Additionally, Amorim recalled the critical factor of Eriksen’s past when selecting his team. While playing for Denmark at Euro 2020—a tournament held in 2021—Eriksen suffered a heart attack on the pitch. He subsequently received an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), which has allowed the 33-year-old to extend his career, although caution remains paramount.
After the match, Amorim also mentioned that not only did Eriksen need special care, but other players were affected as well. He revealed that both Leny (Yoro) and another player, Chris, were unwell. However, he assured that they would recover soon and return to full fitness.
Finally, Eriksen’s future at United now appears uncertain. So far, the playmaker has started 14 times and appeared as a substitute on 7 occasions this season, contributing 4 goals and 4 assists in all competitions. Furthermore, he has not played a full 90 minutes in a Premier League match since December, and with his contract nearing expiry, his departure seems increasingly likely.