Midfielder Christian Eriksen has admitted he has informed Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag that he is 'unhappy' with the lack of opportunities he has been awarded recently.
The former Tottenham Hotspur man, who joined United on a free transfer in July 2022, made just his third appearance of 2024 during Sunday's thrilling 4-3 FA Cup triumph over Liverpool at Old Trafford. He stepped off the bench to replace Kobbie Mainoo with 80 minutes on the clock.
That marked his first appearance since the 2-1 defeat to Fulham on February 24, where he was also introduced as a second half substitute. He has not started for United since the 2-2 draw with Tottenham on January 14.
Despite limited opportunities, he has been included in the Denmark squad for their upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and the Faroe Islands. They face the Swiss in Copenhagen on Saturday before taking on the Faroe Islands next Tuesday in Brøndby.
"I have previously stated that I am not satisfied with not playing, but it's not something that keeps me up at night," Eriksen told Tipsbladet. "The team is performing, and I must respect the role you have alongside.
"For my part, it has been about working hard and focusing on being fresh for every game, and I am. It is easier now to accept my role than it would have been before.
"I have had a conversation with Erik about being unhappy with the situation and wanting to play as much as possible, but I am available and need to be available for the team, which I am and always will be.
"He said it was the team he had chosen, and Kobbie is doing well, and the rest of the midfield is also performing well, so there is competition for places, which is expected when playing for a top club. There is great competition within the team."
Eriksen, who will be hoping to play a key role in Denmark's European Championship campaign in Germany this summer, respects Ten Hag's decision, despite being frustrated.
He added: "Of course, you can be concerned in the long run because I want to play as much as possible. Naturally, you don't want to always sit on the bench.
"I don't have that approach to it, but it's not something that worries me right now. Often when you change teams and win, you don't change the winning team, and I respect that."
Since joining United, Eriksen has racked up 65 appearances for the club, chipping in with three goals. His only goal so far this season came in the 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest in August.
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