Man United accelerate January signing after confirmed news - Insider

Man United are lining up replacements for Christian Eriksen in January after his bombshell contract admission, according to the club’s former chief scout.

Mick Brown, who spent over a decade at the club during their most successful period including a spell as Sir Alex Ferguson’s number two, exclusively told Football Insider that United are already compiling a list of replacements for the midfielder.

Eriksen admitted while on international duty that no talks are taking place about renewing his deal come the end of the season, and set alarm bells ringing for the recruitment team.

The 32-year-old has made eight appearances under Erik ten Hag so far this season and remains an important part of the midfield unit at Old Trafford.

United are already short of numbers in the middle despite completing a deal to sign Manuel Ugarte in the summer, and will now be forced back into the transfer market.

Meanwhile, Brown previously told Football Insider that Casemiro is likely to be sold in the January transfer window as a result of his declining abilities.

Man United set sights on midfielder deal after Christian Eriksen bombshell

Any departures from the current United midfield will need replacing in the transfer market, while there is also a feeling that they do not have the right profiles in those positions.

Brown, who has a wealth of experience in recruitment at United and elsewhere, and remains well-connected at the club, insisted that they will be looking to sign a box-to-box midfielder to help fill the gap Eriksen will leave.

“I think they needed another midfielder even before this news,” he told Football Insider.

“And I’ve been told they have already started looking in that department.

“To be fair to him, Eriksen is a very good passer of the ball and a great technician, but he’s not the box-to-box type United need in there.

“He’s always a very honest professional, but he’s past his sell-by date.

“They want to bring in somebody with legs who can support Kobbie Mainoo in the middle.

“Ugarte came in during the summer but he’s a similar type to Casemiro who wants to sit in front of the defence, they need a box-to-box player.

“Everybody knows they need more bodies in midfield, and they know that too that’s why they’re looking.

“But, with Eriksen probably now leaving, that has become even more important and I’d expect them to step up their efforts to find a replacement.”

In other news, Man United chiefs have drawn up a new contingency plan if Ten Hag is sacked.

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