Had talks gone differently in the summer, Christian Eriksen could have been at Old Trafford on Wednesday night as the key creator in Manchester United’s midfield. Instead, he will likely be on Tottenham’s bench.



Jose Mourinho did not use Eriksen at all against Bournemouth last weekend and understanding that decision, after the Danish international had arrived as a substitute to help turn the game Tottenham’s way against Olympiakos, is aided by knowing the outcome of the pair’s recent meeting.



The new Spurs manager made finding out Eriksen’s intentions a priority after taking over from Mauricio Pochettino. He sought to ascertain whether he could present a compelling case for Eriksen to stay at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium beyond the end of his contract next summer.



But sources have told The Athletic that Eriksen definitively told Mourinho he wished to pursue a new challenge after six years in north London. Eriksen is understood...