Peter Schmeichel explains why Manchester United system 'doesn't suit' player facing exit

Legendary Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel has suggested Christian Eriksen no longer has the energy levels required to play in the Premier League.

The midfielder has struggled for regular game time this season, particularly since Ruben Amorim's appointment as head coach in November, featuring just eight times under the Portuguese chief.

The Dane, who will turn 33 on Friday, is out-of-contract at the end of the season and is expected to be released. He joined United on a free transfer in July 2022 after leaving Brentford.

Eriksen has featured in just five of the 13 Premier League matches Amorim has overseen since succeeding Erik ten Hag, being handed two starts. He has stored just ten minutes worth of league football under his belt so far in 2025.

With his United career heading towards a natural conclusion, Schmeichel believes a return to Ajax would be a logical step for Eriksen at this stage of his career. He started his senior career at the Dutch outfit before moving to Tottenham Hotspur in 2013.

"That would be a great step for him," Schmeichel told Voetbal Primeur.

"Of course, as we know, he is a midfielder. Nowadays in the Premier League you need players who can sprint up and down for 90 minutes.

"The way Ruben Amorim wants to play also doesn't suit him, he wants to win the ball back quickly. At a very high pace. That's not in his nature. Unfortunately, Eriksen no longer has that energy.

"He's a great player. Some of the things he does on the field… He's still so good on the ball and technically. I think Ajax would be a fantastic move for him."