Manchester United’s new manager, Ruben Amorim, is already making plans to reshape his squad, and Christian Eriksen looks to be among those set for an exit at the end of the 2024-25 season.
According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Eriksen’s future at Old Trafford is in jeopardy, as the club has no intention of renewing his contract, which is set to expire next summer. With the Danish international’s role in Amorim’s system in doubt, it seems increasingly likely that the 32-year-old will be heading for the exit door.
Eriksen, who has been a key player for United in recent years, has made notable contributions this season, registering seven goal involvements in just 13 appearances. However, Amorim’s preferred tactical setup requires high-energy performances from his midfielders, a style that may not suit Eriksen’s more measured approach. The former Tottenham Hotspur man is still a talented playmaker, but with his contract winding down, United looks set to part ways with him in favor of younger, more dynamic options.
Romano’s update on X (formerly Twitter) confirmed that there are currently no negotiations regarding a new deal for Eriksen, signaling that the player is unlikely to stay beyond the current campaign. The Manchester United board, under Amorim’s guidance, will likely prioritize fresh, energetic midfielders in the coming transfer windows, making Eriksen’s departure all but inevitable.
Meanwhile, another major development concerning Manchester United’s transfer plans involves Paul Pogba. The French midfielder, who made a high-profile return to Juventus after his departure from Old Trafford, has been linked with a potential return to United after his doping suspension was reduced. However, Fabrizio Romano has shut down these rumors, confirming that Pogba will not be training at Carrington and will not be rejoining Manchester United.
Pogba, who was banned for doping-related offenses, is now free to train with any club starting in January 2024. Despite reports suggesting that the Frenchman could work on his fitness at United, Romano clarified that Pogba is currently training in Miami and has no intention of returning to Manchester for a reunion with his former team. Romano’s tweet explicitly stated that Pogba’s focus is on finding a new club once his suspension ends, with no contact with Manchester United at this time.
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media
While Pogba has been the subject of criticism in recent years, particularly from pundits like Graeme Souness, there is still interest in his services from a handful of clubs. Speculation has linked Pogba with a move to Ligue 1, Saudi Arabia, and Major League Soccer, but recent reports have suggested that Premier League clubs Newcastle United and West Ham United could offer him a lifeline in the English top flight. However, Souness remains scathing in his assessment of Pogba’s career, citing his lack of consistency and work ethic as major red flags for potential suitors.
Souness, speaking on the Three Up Front podcast, stated that he would not take a chance on Pogba if he were a Premier League manager. The former Liverpool star criticized Pogba’s approach to the game, accusing him of being more interested in showing off his skills than putting in the hard work required to dominate in midfield. Souness also pointed out Pogba’s injury record and lack of commitment, particularly since winning the World Cup in 2018, and warned clubs against bringing him back into their squads.
While Pogba’s future remains uncertain, United is focused on other transfer targets, with Ruben Amorim looking to make his mark at the club. The Portuguese coach has already been linked with a number of players to help turn United’s fortunes around. One key target in Amorim’s sights is Viktor Gyokeres, the Swedish striker currently playing for Sporting CP. According to former Premier League defender Jose Fonte, Sporting will be forced to sell Gyokeres in 2025, a development that could pave the way for United to secure the talented forward.
United’s pursuit of Gyokeres has received a boost following these reports, with many seeing him as a valuable addition to their attacking options. Despite Sporting’s high valuation of Gyokeres, United’s interest could lead to a potential transfer in the near future, providing the club with a much-needed goal-scoring presence. Fonte’s insight into the financial pressures facing Portuguese clubs like Sporting has strengthened the belief that Gyokeres could be on the move soon, with United in pole position.
Alongside Gyokeres, Amorim is also reportedly preparing to show the door to a few existing members of the United squad. Both Joshua Zirkzee and Harry Maguire have been linked with moves away from the club, with reports suggesting that an unnamed Serie A side has already made inquiries about the pair ahead of the January transfer window. Maguire, who has struggled for game time under Erik ten Hag, could find himself surplus to requirements under Amorim, who is eager to revamp United’s defense.
In addition to these departures, Amorim is said to be planning for the future with some key players in mind. Leny Yoro and Kobbie Mainoo, two young talents at Old Trafford, are reportedly viewed as cornerstones of the new-look Manchester United under Amorim. The club is also expected to offer Mainoo a new contract, signaling the 18-year-old’s importance in the manager’s long-term plans.
While the departure of Christian Eriksen and the potential exits of Pogba, Zirkzee, and Maguire dominate the headlines, it is clear that Amorim’s vision for Manchester United is taking shape. The Portuguese manager, who inherited a team struggling in 13th place in the Premier League, will need time to transform United into a competitive force once again. However, with a clear strategy in place and a focus on youth and high-energy players, United fans can remain hopeful that their club is on the right track.
In the coming months, more developments will likely emerge as Amorim continues to make his mark at Old Trafford. Whether it’s securing a move for Viktor Gyokeres or continuing to reshape the squad, the next few transfer windows will be crucial for United as they aim to return to the top of English football. Fans will be eagerly watching to see which players join the club, and which ones make way as the new era under Ruben Amorim begins to take form.
