Eriksen reflects on 'rollercoaster' 2023
As we approach 2024, midfielder Christian Eriksen has been reviewing his first full year as a Manchester United player.
The Denmark international joined the Reds on a free transfer in the summer of 2022 and was a regular in Erik ten Hag’s starting line-up until he suffered an ankle injury in January 2023.
That issue kept Eriksen sidelined for around three months, preventing him from playing in the victorious Carabao Cup final, but the 31-year-old has still racked up 39 appearances across an eventful year.
He’s recently returned to action following a separate, month-long lay-off, and is enjoying life at the club.
“I think for the club and the players [the highlight] was probably winning the Carabao Cup,” said Christian, when asked about the best moment from the last 12 months.
Access All Areas: Carabao Cup final
Access All Areas | Exclusive scenes from a day to remember, lifting the first trophy of the Erik ten Hag era...
“Obviously I didn't play in the final, so for me the highlight was the semis [the two-legged win over Nottingham Forest].
“Yeah, it's been a rollercoaster. It's been up and down. There's been some really good moments. There's been a trophy in between. There have been some good games, there have been some bad games.
“But generally and overall I’ve been very pleased and I'm very happy to be at United. It's a lovely place. It's a nice club and there are really nice people to work with and play alongside.”
It’s been an incredibly busy year for Ten Hag’s men, with the Reds playing 65 games across five different competitions.
The first month of 2024 will actually offer a little respite, as we are only currently scheduled to play two games in January – the Emirates FA Cup third-round tie at Wigan Athletic and a Premier League home clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
Although he is still raring to go after his time on the sidelines, Eriksen concedes that the winter break will provide United with a good opportunity to rest and recharge for the second half of the campaign.
“I've just been injured and I missed the games, so for me it's never a good time to have a holiday, but no obviously it will be good for the team,” he added.
Eriksen’s goal involvements in 2023/24
Christian Eriksen has scored against Nottingham Forest and created goals for two other Reds this season…
“And like I said, there's been, especially last year, so many games and at the start of the season there were a lot of games, not only for us, but I think for everyone.
“It’s a healthy way of having a bit of a break and recharge and then be ready to go again.
“I think I'm more, in terms of football, taking one game at a time, trying to do the best we can do at the present [time].
“Then I have to see what happens after. But yes, take it one game at a time, but hopefully in the end it will finish on a strong note.”
Christian was speaking to TeamViewer Diaries for an upcoming episode - watch all past episodes here.