Why Erik ten Hag wants Mason Mount to replace Christian Eriksen in Manchester United midfield

Christian Eriksen has appeared to be ready for a summer break more than most of Manchester United's players in the last few months.

Eriksen sustained an ankle injury in January, which forced him onto the sidelines until April, but upon his return, he demonstrated why signing a new, younger midfielder is a priority for Erik ten Hag in the transfer window.

Although the 31-year-old has been a successful signing, he's recently looked weary and short of legs. Eriksen cannot press ferociously for an entire 90 minutes and it was no surprise to see him substituted first in the FA Cup final.

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Eriksen has made 13 starts in the Premier League in 2023 and he's only played a full game once (Arsenal in January) in that run. He's also played more than 80 minutes on just four occasions across the last six months in the league.

He's been carefully managed by Ten Hag, who recognises his understandable physical limitations. This is someone who miraculously defied the odds to continue playing football after suffering a cardiac arrest two years ago after all.

The decision to sign Eriksen on a free transfer - remarkable value - has been vindicated by his displays this term and he was considered undroppable for a large portion of the season, but he's likely to make fewer starts in 2023/24.

United have agreed personal terms with Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount and he's expected to play in the 'Eriksen role', should both clubs be able to reach an agreement regarding a transfer fee in the summer window.

While some supporters have been left underwhelmed by interest in Mount, he's been a key player for every manager he's worked with and it's said the newly appointed Mauricio Pochettino would